Name: …………………………………………. Date: ……………………………..

Class: ………………..

TEST PAPER 3

Reading comprehension

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

English serves as a functional alternative language in several areas of public activity for the many nations of
the world which use it as an international second language. Because of its widespread use geographically,
and because of the large number of people who speak it, it has been adopted as the language of aviation and
air traffic. English has continued as one of the important languages of commerce, as the sphere of political
and economic influence of the English-speaking nations has extended far beyond their own boundaries. The
use of English in international diplomacy is strengthened by its acceptance as one of the official languages of
the United Nations. And as a final example, English is the language of the majority of published materials in
the world, so that education, especially specialized higher education, has come to rely very heavily on an
understanding of English. In no sense does English replace the cultural heritage and emotional ties of the
first language, but for many speakers throughout the world, it provides a means of communicating with
people of similar training and interests who would otherwise not be able to comprehend them.

1. It is stated in the passage that English ...

A) has enabled England to spread its influence beyond its borders
B) is spoken by the majority of people in the world
C) is the only language used in specialized higher education
D) is not exclusively spoken at the United Nations

2. According to the passage, English as a second language ...

A) has increased its influence around the world due to its use in aviation
B) has strengthened its grip on international diplomacy
C) does not take the place of the mother tongue either culturally or emotionally
D) is most important in the world of commerce

3. We can infer from the passage that ...

A) many educational books and textbooks are written in English
B) England's political influence is constantly increasing
C) there would be no international diplomacy without English
D) people around the world would not have such similar interests without English

THE SHIFTING ECONOMY

Each year, countless small businesses close their doors and go into bankruptcy. The corner grocer, the little
dress shop, the locally-owned sandwich shop, the bakery, the dancing school, the beauty salon: all are
victims of the constantly shifting economy. They are, at times, replaced by other small businesses that
temporarily fill the needs of the neighbourhood but frequently end up sharing the same fate of dissolution.
More often, the market served by the small business is taken over by a large store or plant, frequently from a
more distant place of operation. Typically, the customers of the corner grocery or bakery have already gone
to the nationwide supermarket chain just down the street. The woman who runs the dress shop chooses
fashions out of tune with the times and gets too old to keep the store open during the most convenient hours
for shoppers, who then go off to the big department stores. It is increasingly difficult, apparently, for small
businesses to succeed in our complex economic structure based, as it is, on small profit margins and
tremendous sales volume.

4. The writer states that small businesses ...

A) constantly replace other small businesses which have gone bankrupt
B) are in keen competition among themselves
C) are finding it harder and harder to keep up with current economic trends
D) do not open at convenient times for shoppers
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5. One of the advantages of big department stores is that ...
A) they are not run by women who are too old
B) they stock the most fashionable clothes
C) they are nationwide and can be found across the country
D) they are open at times suitable for the customers

6. The main trend in today's economy is ...

A) to sell cheaply but in bulk
B) to shop at supermarkets which are nationwide
C) to operate from a place distant from the market
D) to incorporate small businesses into larger ones

Grammar and Vocabulary

7. The mobile phone company is … for having the worst customer service.
a. trustworthy b. acclaimed c. notorious d. forbidden

8. It’s best not to talk to my father in the early morning. He’s usually … until he’s had his coffee.
a. lousy b. tedious c. stubborn d. grumpy

9. This old man … in this plant for 35 years by the time he … next year.
a. will be working / retires b. will have worked / retired
c. will work / retires d. will have been working / retires

10.… that I was speaking to someone as important as Professor Sims.

a. Little have I known b. Little I knew c. Little did I know d. I knew little

11.I’d rather you … your money on something useful.

a. have spent b. spend c. spent d. are spending

12.One of Kate’s … is her writing skill. She writes very clearly and professionally.
a. drawbacks b. assets c. degrees d. acquaintances

13.Hardly … were told that it would soon be time for lunch.

a. we had finished breakfast that b. had we finished breakfast when
b. had we finished breakfast that d. we had finished breakfast when

14.The letters … by the secretary right now.

a. have been typed b. are being typed c. are typing d. are typed

15.If I’d known we’d have to wait so long, I … a book.

a. would bring b. had brought c. brought d. would have brought

16.The police … investigating a serious murder case for three weeks now.
a. are b. have been c. is d. has been

17.George loves talking about his accomplishments. Yesterday, he … that he could speak four languages
fluently.
a. whined b. whispered c. boasted d. denied

18.Carol and Jim … after the big fight they had last night. Today, they are happy together again.
a. showed off b. dropped off c. made up d. turned up

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