MSU English Proficiency Test (MSU - EPT)

MSU English Proficiency Test (MSU-EPT) is designed to measure candidates’ English

language ability.

คําอธิบาย
1. ให้เขียนขื*อ-นามสกุล ให้ชดั เจนในกระดาษคําตอบ
2. ข้อสอบเป็ นแบบปรนัย 4 ตัวเลือก จํานวน 100 ข้อ (14 หน้า)
3. ให้ใช้ปากกา กากบาทในกระดาษคําตอบให้เต็มช่องในกระดาษคําตอบที*แจกให้
และในแต่ละข้อมีคาํ ตอบที*ถูกต้องหรื อเหมาะสมที*สุดเพียงคําตอบเดียว
4. ห้ามนําหนังสื อ กระดาษ เข้ามาในห้องสอบ
5. ห้ามนําข้อสอบและกระดาษคําตอบออกจากห้องสอบ
6. ไม่อนุญาตให้ผเู ้ ข้าสอบออกจากห้องสอบก่อน 1 ชัว* โมง หลังจากเวลาที*เริ* มทําข้อสอบ
7. เวลาในการทําข้อสอบ 2 ชัว* โมง

ข้อสอบชุดนีPเป็ นลิขสิ ทธิRของมหาวิทยาลัยมหาสารคาม

การทําซํPาหรื อดัดแปลงหรื อเผยแพร่ ขอ้ สอบดังกล่าวโดยไม่ได้รับอนุญาตจากเจ้าของลิขสิ ทธิR ถือเป็ นการละเมิดลิขสิ ทธิR
ตามพระราชบัญญัติลิขสิ ทธิR พ. ศ. 2558

DO NOT OPEN THIS QUESTION BOOKLET UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO

Section 1: Reading Ability

This section is designed to measure candidates’ language competencies in reading. There are
two types of questions in this section, with specific directions for each type.

Instructions: In this section, candidates will read several passages

Passage 1: Items 1-10

Business Opportunities
Hair Salon – 6-station salon and barber with lots of brand new equipment. Has a lot of room for
additional income! Owner already decorated and installed air-cons for three rooms upstairs. Ready to
start traditional massage service. Very spacious shop situated in front of a big housing development and
very close to Sermthai Complex. Must quit at once after only one year due to child’s allergy problem
and doctor’s recommendation to move overseas.
Thai Restaurant – One-million-baht cash flow makes it a steal with the small investment required by
the owner. Owner has too many restaurants and no time to manage them. Selling his most profitable
restaurant to improve the bottom line of the others. Located next to a water park and housing division.
Noodle Shop – Located in Kantharawichai. Excellent location. Restaurant is always packed. More
variety of food can increase income even more. Perfect for couple. Owner has other business interests
which force emergency sale.
Hair Studio – Close to well-known University and entertainment area off Khamriang. Pretty as a
picture! Beautifully decorated and in a superb location. Priced for quick sale. Flexible terms! Owner
has to move to Loei with family. This is your chance to steal a real cute salon!
Steak House – 120 seats. Looks great! Nicely decorated open-air restaurant. Near a large shopping
mall and housing division. Ample parking space. Owner invested time and money in this restaurant. It
shows! Great article about this restaurant in a recent magazine. Closed Sundays. attractive terms. Owner
has to sell due to other business interests and simply has no time. Perfect for husband and wife.
Pest Control at Khamriang – Established in 1932! Real $$ maker! This Pest Control Company
specialises in non-chemical treatment of such pests as roaches, ants, fleas, rodents, spiders and lawn
pests. Cash flow of $240,000 last year! Owner will finance. Motivated to sell as he is retiring.
Seafood Restaurant – Wait till you see it! Cute as a picture! Well-decorated. Even has a fish pond.
Can be expanded to a beer garden. Excellent value! Would you believe only $6,250 is the total
investment for this profitable restaurant!!! Owner needs a vacation after 4 years and having several
businesses.
Family Restaurant – Looks great! This restaurant is very spacious. Well-complex. Serves breakfast,
lunch, and dinner. 90 seats always packed plus lots of take-out business. Owner gets a special rent rate.
This is an emergency sale as owner needs to move overseas to be with his children. This one won’t last.
Book Rental – Closed weekends and holidays. Next to University in Mahasarakham. Great cash
business. Owner wants to get his Master’s degree. Priced for quick sale!
Laundry Service – Very profitable! Located in a 100% occupied apartment complex in Khamriang. If
you enjoy people, this business is for you. Owner has other business interests and no time for home life.
Established 8 years. Come see it.

Restaurant and Pub – Lovely décor. Wait until you see it! Owner is pregnant and wants to take care
of her baby full time. Minimum help required. Must sacrifice at once!
Photocopy Shop – Established 4 years – excellent location – next to well-known University! Own this
profitable business for the value of three brand new photocopy machines and the inventory! The
goodwill is your bonus! Other interests force immediate sale.

1. The purpose of this text is to ___________.

A. compare business expenses
B. describe businesses for rent
C. advertise businesses for sale
D. analyse business operations
2. What kind of business is not mentioned?
A. Food
B. Beauty
C. Laundry
D. Tourism
3. Why does hair salon owner want to quit her business?
A. She wants to continue her studies
B. She is pregnant and her husband wants her to stop
C. She has too many other businesses
D. She has to move overseas for her child’s health

4. Which eating place does not claim to be beautiful?

A. Seafood Restaurant
B. Thai Restaurant
C. Family restaurant
D. Restaurant and Pub
5. Where is the Laundry Service located?
A. Near Sermthai Complex
B. Off Khamriang
C. In Khamriang
D. In Kantharawichai
6. Which restaurant is not open on Sundays?
A. Thai Restaurant
B. Seafood Restaurant
C. Steak House
D. Restaurant and Pub
7. How long has the Photocopy Shop been in business?
A. Almost as long as Pest Control
B. Longer than the Laundry Service
C. A shorter time than the Hair Salon
D. As long as the Sea Food Restaurant

8. Where can you go to have breakfast?

A. Thai Restaurant
B. Family Restaurant
C. Steak House
D. Seafood Restaurant
9. Which of the following businesses is located near a university?
A. Laundry Service
B. Noodle Shop
C. Book Rental
D. Family Restaurant
10. Which business was recently written about in a magazine?
A. Pest Control
B. Restaurant and Pub
C. Steak House
D. Hair Salon

Passage 2: Items 11-20

Floods are second only to fire as the most common of all natural disasters. They occur almost
everywhere in the world, resulting in widespread damage and even death. Consequently,
scientists can recognize the potential for flooding in certain conditions. There are a number of
conditions, from deep snow on the ground to human error, that cause flooding.
When deep snow melts it creates a large amount of water. Although deep snow alone rarely
causes floods, when it occurs together with heavy rain and sudden warmer weather it can lead
to serious flooding. If there is a fast snow melt on top of frozen or very wet ground, flooding
is more likely to occur than when the ground is not frozen. Frozen ground or ground that is
very wet and already saturated with water cannot absorb the additional water created by the
melting snow. Melting snow also contributes to high water levels in rivers and streams.
Whenever rivers are already at their full capacity of water, heavy rains will result in the rivers
overflowing and flooding the surrounding land.
Rivers that are covered in ice can also lead to flooding. When ice begins to melt, the surface of
the ice cracks and breaks into large pieces. These pieces of ice move and float down the river.
They can form a dam in the river, causing the water behind the dam to rise and flood the land
upstream. If the dam breaks suddenly, then the large amount of water held behind the dam can
flood the areas downstream too.
When a large human-made dam fails to hold the water collected behind it, the results can be
devastating. Dams contain such huge amounts of water behind them that when sudden breaks
occur, the destructive force of the water is like a great tidal wave. Unleashed dam waters can
travel tens of kilometres, cover the ground in metres of mud and debris, and drown and crush
everything and creature in their path.

Although scientists cannot always predict exactly when floods will occur, they do know a great
deal about when floods are likely, or probably, going to occur. Hopefully, this knowledge of
why floods happen can help us reduce the damage they cause.

11. What is the most appropriate topic of this passage?

A. The Melting Snow B. The Iced-covered River
C. The Causes of Floods D. The Broken Ice Dams
12. Which of the following are included as causes for floods in the reading passage?
A. Large lakes B. Droughts
C. Poorly built roads D. melting snow
13. How does deep snow cause flooding?
A. sudden warm temperatures combined with heavy rains causes flooding
B. melting snow causes flooding
C. too much rain causes flooding
D. freezing water causes flooding
14. A broken human-made dam is compared to what?
A. a tsunami B. overflowing
C. a broken ice dam D. a tidal wave
15. Which of the following best describes how a frozen river can cause a flood?
A. The ice in the river cracks causing the water to overflow.
B. The ice in the river cracks into pieces that eventually create a dam causing the water
to overflow.
C. The ice in the river melts too quickly and causes a flood.
D. The water behind the ice dam collects and when the dam breaks, it causes flooding
upstream.
16. How far can dam water travel when it is unleashed from a broken dam?
A. less than 10 kilometres
B. tens of kilometres
C. tens of thousands of kilometres downstream
D. thousands of kilometres
17. Why does saturated ground contribute to flooding problems?
A. the ground cannot absorb more moisture
B. the ground is too hard, so the water runs off
C. the ground forms a kind of dam
D. it remains frozen

18. What kinds of problems can flood cause?

A. Death B. Widespread damage
C. Destruction of plants and animals D. All of the above
19. What is the most common natural disaster?
A. Rain B. Flood
C. Wind damage D. Fire
20. How does melting snow cause problems related to flooding?
A. it makes the rivers run too fast
B. it makes the water too cold
C. it makes the level of the river rise
D. it causes pieces of ice to block the river

Passage 3: Items 21-25

MSU Poll: Pressing Problems

Problems Respondents Percent
Trash 487 6.3
Lack of public parks 37 0.5
Air pollution 1,085 14.0
Water pollution 583 7.6
Floods 171 2.2
Traffic 3,845 49.8
Overcrowding 175 2.3
Public transportation 101 1.3
Education management 119 1.5
Corruption 581 7.5
Public safety 236 3.1
Others 198 2.6

21. The word “Poll” could best be replaced by __________.

A. Survey B. Newspaper
C. Chart D. Issue
22. The word “Pressing” mean __________.
A. Permanent B. Popular
C. Unsolvable D. Urgent
23. Respondents were most concerned about __________.
A. politicians B. lack of schools
C. too many cars D. dirty canals

24. An example of a public safety problem is ___________.

A. insurance B. housing
C. burglary D. unemployment
25. Approximately __________ people were questioned for this poll.
A. 4,000 B. 6,500
C. 8,000 D. 9,500

Passage 4: Items 26-30

There is an old story about an engineering professor who meets up with a former student ten
years _____26_____ the student graduated. _____27_____ professor is wearing the same old
jacket he always wore. The student is wearing beautiful new clothes and _____28_____ an
expensive car. The professor says, “You were _____29_____ student I ever taught. How
come you have done so well for yourself?” The student replies: “I went into the
_____30_____ car business. Now I buy a car for $1,500 then I sell it for $3,000 and there’s
my ten per cent.”

26. A. for B. when

C. after D. since
27. A. A B. The
C. Another D. One
28. A. driving B. driven
C. drive D. drove
29. A. the worst B. a worse
B. a bad D. the bad
30. A. using B. uses
C. used D. use

Passage 5: Items 31-40

I came across this little creature in the grass near the campsite of Doonlamphan Nature Trail
in Maha Sarakham. _____31_____ its shape and colour, the caterpillar looked like a dull, dry

twig when it was still. However, as it moved, it did _____32_____ in an unusual way which
is fun to watch.
The feet of the caterpillar _____33_____ located far apart—two pairs at each end of the
body. So, to move forward along the grass stem, the caterpillar had to _____34_____ out the
front part of its body, place the front feet on the stem and pull _____35_____ of the body
along until the rear feet found a _____36_____ just next to the front ones. In the process, the
body _____37_____, forming a loop; and that’s why it’s also known as “looper”.
I watched the creature loop its way until it reached the end of the grass _____38_____ to go,
the caterpillar turned back and tried another direction.
Unlike the caterpillar, some people _____39_____ with what they’re doing even if they
realise it’s a mistake, just because they’re afraid they would _____40_____ face.

31. A. Without B. Due to

C. Up to D. As

32. A. whatever B. right

C. even D. so

33. A. have B. has

C. are D. be

34. A. figure B. give

C. stretch D. keep

35. A. some skin B. a top

C. any part D. the rest

36. A. footstep B. footpath

C. footloose D. foothold

37. A. decayed B. removed

C. crashed D. arched

38. A. somewhere B. Nowhere

C. Anywhere D. Wherever

39. A. get away B. do away

C. continue D. argue

40. A. lose B. miss

C. make D. lack

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Section 2: Structure and Writing Ability

The structure and writing ability section is designed to measure candidates’ ability to recognise
and recall English language that is appropriate for standard written English. There are two types
of questions in this section, with specific directions for each type.

Writing Ability
Instructions: For questions 41-60, fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words or groups
of words.
41. He worked for the same company all his life ___________ he retired.
A. before B. unless
C. finally D. until
42. Globalisation is now _________ to bring as many disadvantages as advantages.
A. often saw B. usually see
C. always thinking D. generally thought
43. Creative Thai cartoonist, Chai Rajawat, was _________by the Bangkok Asian Games
Organising Committee to create a mascot for the Games.
A. commission B. commissioned
C. commissioning D. to be commissioned
44. Before entering the conference room, all participants _________
A. would rather leave their belongings outside.
B. should make reservation in advance.
C. had better announce their names.
D. must present their ID cards.
45. You are allowed _________only one bag for your clothes and other effects.
A. taking B. to bring
C. fetch D. bringing
46. Adam and his colleagues in the environmental and occupational health group at
Mahasarakham University in north-eastern Thailand say that the contaminants include
bacteria and moulds _________to increase common respiratory illness like asthma.
A. known B. know
C. knew D. knowing
47. One neighbour, Sampan Rittidech, told the council the house needs _________. But the
chief told him the owner of the house has right, too.
A. burn down B. to burn down
C. being burned down D. to be burned down
48. With a few nails in the wall and a few holes in the improvised nest, the box _________to
the wall with its little occupants inside.
A. attached B. attaching
C. was attached D. was attaching

49. The special equipment that permits the study of the sea bed has brought to life creatures
with such unusual features that scientists are not able to relate _________to any known
species.
A. their B. them
C. its D. it
50. Sydney children are twice _________ as children elsewhere in Australia, a two-year study
of Australian children suggests.
A. being likely to be as obese B. the same fat
C. as likely to be obese D. to be as fat
51. I have so much money to spend at Sermthai Complex, but so ______ time to spend it.
A. many B. much
C. few D. little
52. It was only about 10,000 years ago that animals were first being domesticated and crops
were being cultivated and harvested. _________humans had fed themselves through
fishing, hunting birds and animals and gathering wild food.
A. Before that time B. Until today
C. Since then D. Recently
53. Both Saksit and his brother, _________my brother, are studying Tourism and Hotel
Management at Mahasarakham University.
A. included B. together with
C. apart from D. except
54. Most of the examinees expect the MSU-EPT test not to be _________difficult
_________be done successfully.
A. so, that B. as, as
C. too, to D. so, as
55. MSU Engineering Faculty _________the development of a new robotic pet designed to be
a conversation partner for elderly people.
A. announce B. being announced
C. announcing D. has announced
56. Did you know that the ______ of students that take the MSU-EPT test every month is
almost one hundred?
A. amount B. number
C. amount D. majority
57. The English lecturers at our department will take a plane to Phuket_________.
A. if the flight attendants ae still on strike
B. unless the flight is fully booked
C. unless the hotel rooms are available
D. if all the air tickets are sold out

58. Market researchers investigate ______ in specific locations.

A. are there many people B. how many people are there
C. how many people there are D. that there are how many people

59. _________ research has confirmed the early findings.

A. Farther B. Further
C. Upcoming D. Forthcoming

60. The municipality of Maha Sarakham declared the property a trouble in early February and
_________ from the government to proceed with the killing efforts.
A. received subsequently permission B. subsequently received permission
C. received permission subsequent D. subsequent permission received

Instructions: For questions 61-80, there is one grammatical error in each of the sentences
below. Identify which one is incorrect by choosing A, B, C, or D.
Written Expression
Directions: In questions 61-80, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. Identify
the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed in order for the sentence to be
correct.

61. My cousin, Lamyai, she lives in Roi-Et province, and she likes it there very much.
A B C D

62. Many people feel that there are too much rules in this educational institute.
A B C D

63. Many of the students found the professor’s explain quite unclear.
A B C D

64. The worse natural disaster of all for the people in Japan was that of 2012, when the
A B C D
massive earthquake struck the southern region.

65. Almost all books have a few errors in them in spite of the care taken to check its proof
A B C D
pages before the final printing.

66. The receptionist asked the twelve-years-old boy to wait for his mother in the lobby.
A B C D

67. They gave us his full attention, but still could not understand what we were saying.
A B C D

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68. If it should have been for the traffic jam and the construction of the high-speed train,
A B
Mandy and her boyfriend would have come to the concert on time.
C D
69. Text messaging during the New Year festival period rose to new heights with 60
A B C
million SMS message sent this year.
D

70. Electronics are one of the most recent and most exciting branches of electrical science
A B C D
which is taught at most universities.

71. A deficient of folic acid is rarely found in humans because the vitamin is contained in a
A B C D
wide variety of foods.

72. It is important that everyone have his car check once or twice a year.
A B C D

73. Most MSU students usually complain about the amount of time which they are allocated
A B C
to work on a test is too short.
D

74. Today's farmers have increased milk production greatly through improved methods of
A B C
breeding, feeding, and manage dairy cattle.
D

75. Not only it will tell you that your waiter is asking what you want to order; it will translate
A B C
your order into Thai.
D

76. Much of the significant research related for the theory of numbers concerns the
A B C
distribution of prime numbers.
D
77. The hills lie to the north of town, raising to the foot of a rocky mountain, and a shallow
A B
stream runs along the eastern border of the tow.
C D

78. Football has become increasingly popular in the city of Mahasarakham in recent
A B C
years ago.
D

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79. The findings of our study were worst than we had expected them to be.
A B C D

80. Because computers are capable of storing, erasing and retrieve data easily, their use is
A B C
becoming more and more widespread.
D

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Section 3: Situational and Spoken Conversation

The Situational and Spoken Conversation section is designed to measure candidates’ ability to
recognise and understand written expressions in everyday life.

Instructions: Complete the dialogue below with appropriate expressions given.

Situation: Andy is having lunch with his close friend Anya.

Andy: So how are things going? Is your colleague still giving you a hard time?
Anya: Did you have to ______81______, while we’re eating? I’ve had a terrible morning.
Andy: Sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.
Anya: Forgive me. It’s just that I can never seem to do anything right ______82______.
Andy: Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes it’s better to get it ______83______.
Anya: I guess you’re right. Well, my colleague always seems to be checking up on me to
see if I come to work late or leave early. He’s always asking other people about
me. I’m really, ______84______.
Andy: Why don’t you ______85______ looking for another job. If it’s really as bad as
you say, you should leave.
Anya: ______86______, Andy. Don’t forget I have rent to pay and food to buy. I have no
savings so I can’t afford to be ______87______.
Andy: Why not try talking to him. Be calm and, ______88______, be nice. As they say,
you always get more with honey than with vinegar.
Anya: You’re right. I’ll just have to have a more positive attitude ______89______.
Andy: ______90______. Things are improving already!

81. A. pass that around B. speak like that

C. bring that up D. tell me to do that
82. A. on her mind B. in her eyes
C. with her outlook D. from her thoughts
83. A. by lunch time B. in the news
C. out of sight D. off your chest

84. A. sick of it B. crazy for her

C. mad about them D. bored by you

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85. A. let on B. think about

C. make up D. try out

86. A. Easier said than done B. Too much too soon

C. The more the happier D. Slow but sure

87. A. out of work B. on the run

C. away from home D. off the record

88. A. after all B. all of a sudden

C. above all D. over all

89. A. before this B. since then

C. from now on D. now and then

90. A. Hear? B. See?

C. Watch! D. Tell!

Situation: A market researcher, Sarah, is interviewing a shopper in a supermarket.

Sarah: Good morning, sir. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
Mattia: ______91______. I’m supposed to meet my partner here in 10 minutes.
Sarah: ______92______. I’m doing a market survey for a big consumer-products
company. They are thinking about introducing a new shampoo especially for me.
______93______ such a product?
Mattia: Maybe. It depends on the quality and the price. ______94______ cheaper than
my present shampoo.
Sarah: ______95______?
Mattia: Baby shampoo. I go jogging every morning ______96______ to wash my hair
daily. I need a very mild shampoo. Otherwise, my hair falls out.
Sarah: What size do you prefer, and how often do you buy it?
Mattia: We buy the largest size ______97______. My two children use it too.
Sarah: ______98______ shampoo?
Mattia: Well, ______99______, it has to be mild - - suitable for daily use - - with no
harmful chemicals to pollute the environment. It should smell fresh and natural.
Sarah: ______100______ advertising for shampoo on TV or in magazines?
Mattia: Actually, I’ve never bought any brand of shampoo because I liked the
advertising.
Sarah: Thank you for your help, sir.

91. A. As long as it doesn’t take too long

B. Not unless you use too much time
C. As soon as you can start
D. If you don’t spend a long time

92. A. Let’s wait a while B. It’s too much time

C. That’s plenty of time D. I look forward to meeting her

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93. A. Are you concerned with B. Why don’t you buy

C. Can I sell you D. Would you be interested in

94. A. is likely to be B. should have been

C. would have to be D. must have been

95. A. How do like you shampoo

B. How often do you wash your hair
C. What kind of shampoo do you use
D. What brand do you prefer

96. A. So I have B. when I return

C. because I like D. until I want

97. A. about every other week B. for two weeks at a time

C. apart from every week D. within two weeks

98. A. What qualities do you look for in

B. Which type do you prefer of
C. What problems do you have with
D. Which features are required from

99. A. as I already told you B. since I said before

C. what I was going to say D. to make the story short

100. A. Can you ever notice B. Is there any reason for

C. Would you prefer watching D. Do you pay much attention to

--Test End--

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