Passage 1

No matter where you live or when you were born, you almost surely have at least a small
amount of DDT stored in the fatty tissues of your body. Why? This notorious toxic pesti-
cide, which led to the extinction of the American bald eagle in 1970s, has long been banned
in the U.S. and most other developed countries. But according to a new report by the World
Wildlife Fund in Washington, DDT is still used in many developing nations, mainly because
it’s so effective in controlling mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite.

The persistence of DDT is a problem—and not just in the countries that use it. DDT and
several other common chlorine-containing pesticides are sturdy molecules that can stay in-
tact for decades. They evaporate into the atmosphere and are blown by the wind all over the
globe. They condense and fall to the ground in cold weather, especially in higher altitudes.
Some of the highest concentrations of DDT are found in polar bears, penguins and the Inuit
people of northern Canada.

Although levels of DDT contamination are gradually falling in countries where the pesticide
has been banned, new scientific research suggests that the chemicals are still a serious threat
everywhere. Studies show that even small amounts of pesticides can disrupt the working of
human hormones, interfering with reproduction and the functioning of the immune system.
That’s why representatives of more than 100 nations gathered at a U.N. meeting in Nairobi
to work toward a global treaty that would phase out DDT and 11 other pesticides, known as
the “dirty dozen.” Environmentalists say it’s possible to find alternative way to fight malaria
—and get rid of DDT once and for all.

1. What is the writer’s tone of the text?

1. manipulative 2. obstructive
3. uncooperative 4. argumentative

2. Which of the following would be the best title for this text?

1. DDT is still around—and still a menace

2. Where there is DDT, there is no malaria
3. Get rid of DDT in order to save wildlife
4. DDT contamination is a trivial threat everywhere

3. Which of the following does the writer conclude at the end?

1. DDT is the most effective chemical in controlling mosquitoes that carry the
malaria parasite.
2. A small amount of pesticides can disrupt the working of both human hormone and
immune system.
3. The molecules of DDT and several other common chlorine-containing pesticides
cannot be damaged for many years.
4. A global treaty that would phase out DDT and 11 other notorious toxic pesticides
should be enacted very soon.

4. Why does the writer refer to the new scientific research?

 1. to state the impact linked to DDT and other pesticides
2. to illustrate the serious threats caused by DDT and other pesticides
3. to show the amounts of DDT and other pesticides involved with
human hormones
4. to explain the effectiveness of DDT and other pesticides in controlling
mosquitoes

5. What is the writer primarily concerned with?

1. Controlling the use of DDT that has not yet been successful for long
2. Encouraging the readers to realize how significant DDT is
3. Giving examples of the hazardous effects of DDT on human health,
wildlife, and plants
4. Discussing the persistence and effects of DDT and several other
pesticides found all over the globe

Passage 2

When asked about the future of TV and of video on the internet, people reveal profound dif-
ferences in attitudes based on age groups, We asked people ages 12-64 if they agreed with
two statements about the future of TV and competition with the computer for entertainment
time. When asked whether they agreed that “the computer increasingly competes with the
TV for my entertainment time,” 29% of people said they agreed or strongly agreed with the
statement. Males overall agreed at a slightly higher rate than females, and, importantly when
looking at future trends, the younger generation of 18-to-24-year-olds was considerably
more focused on the computer as competition for the TV; 36% agreed vs. 29% for the total
population. Only 25% of 35-to 44-year-olds said the computer competes with the TV for en-
tertainment. When we asked consumers if the internet represents “the future” of video view-
ing, the group that agreed most strongly was the 18-to-24 group with 28% of men agreeing
and 20% of women. Clearly, the 18-to-24 population is leading the way in adopting new
paradigms for entertainment.

1. Which of the following would be the best title for the text?

1. On Digital Communications
2. The Challenges of Digital Entertainment
3. The Increasing Popularity of TV
4. The Computer VS. TV for Entertainment Time

2. According to the passage, all of the following are false, EXCEPT __________.

1. Males slightly favored TV more than the computer.

2. The middle aged like the computer as much as TV.
 3. Teenagers admitted that the internet could compete with TV.
4. Adult consumers preferred watching video on the internet to the TV.

3. What can the word “paradigms” be described as?

1. models 2. problems
3. organizers 4. celebrities

4. What is the writer’s purpose?

1. To disseminate the entertainment news

2. To alarm people of the widespread use of computer
3. To query people if the computer can catch up with the TV
4. To inform people about the future trends in entertainment

5. Where would you expect to read this text?

1. editorial 2. commentary
3. gossip column 4. digital technology news

Passage 3

In 1911 the United States Postal Service offered savings accounts to customers too poor or
too suspicious to bank elsewhere. The innovation followed the stock market collapse and a
run on banks in 1907. Immigrants flocked to the accounts: In 1917 some 70 percent of
postal savings accounts were opened by newcomers, although those groups made up only 14
percent of the population. By 1966, however, the service was terminated because of a grad-
ual decline in popularity and competition from traditional banks.
A January report by the USPS inspector general proposed bringing postal banking
back as a way to solve two problems: strengthen the independent agency’s fragile finances
as well as provide banking services in communities that are notoriously under- served by the
financial sector. The report says that some 34 million households—a quarter of all Ameri-
can families—do not have a bank account, and the average household in this group spends
$2,412 a year on interest and fees when using other financial services. The Postal Service al-
ready processes money orders, debit card transactions and international wire transfers.
The majority of post offices—59 percent—are in zip codes with zero or one bank branch,
and post offices are positioned to fill the gap: They are widespread, underutilized and could
offer services without the high fees that traditional banks charge for low balance accounts.
The inspector general concludes that postal banking could bring in an estimated $8.9 billion
a year.

1. The phrase "the independent agency" refers to ________________.

1. The stock market

2. The financial sector
3. The inspector general
 4. The US Postal Service
5. The US federal government

2. The passage mentions $2,412 spent by an average household a year probably in order to
________________.

1. reveal how a commercial bank earns its extra income

2. explain why some people don't have a bank account
3. support one of the reasons why postal banking should be revived
4. show that banking services need to be improved
5. show that commercial banks charge excessive fees

3. Postal banking would be attractive to all of the following groups EXCEPT

________________.

1. foreign workers in the U.S.

2. global investment banks
3. those out of reach of a commercial bank
4. people with troubled financial history
5. low-income Americans

Passage 4

Getting drunk on heady combinations of beer and whiskey is almost expected by Korean
companies whenever work get-togethers are organized, but now, many corporations are
bucking the trend by refocusing such events on healthier pursuits.
Recently, more advertising agencies, PR companies and foreign businesses in Seoul have
realized that the long-held office tradition of drinking whiskey and beer at karaoke bars is
not boosting morale.
One company that handles publicity for food and beverage makers in the capital found that
its booze-drinking sessions were leaving its employees drained and unproductive. The com-
pany decided to organize a high-octane evening trip that let its employees vent their stress in
other ways such as by screaming their way through hair- raising roller-coaster rides.
At one advertising agency, employees ditched company dinners and now head to beauty
parlors or skin clinics together after work. One copywriter at the company said she received
some acupuncture treatment at an Oriental medicine clinic to raise the profile of her nose.
One foreign company assesses performance records and sends five of its top employees on
overseas trips, letting them spend one restful week in exotic locations such as Bali or
Hawaii, instead of spending money on expensive dinners.
“Married employees with children tend to get the most excited about our new welfare pro-
gram,” said an employee in the company’s marketing department.
“Company dinners that run on late into the night consume family time, but these overseas
trips allow me to get some good rest with my family, so I can return to work more energized
and focused,” another employee said.
Meanwhile, increasing numbers of companies are ditching end-of-the-year parties and using
the money to invite professional make-up artists or stylists to help their employees improve
their appearance.
One executive at a PR company said, “I heard many of the staff tell me this made them
think twice about quitting.”

1. Which of the following best describes the passage’s organization pattern?

1. The pros and cons of two trends are compared.

2. The old trend is first criticized and then supported by public opinion.
3. Many reasons are given to explain why after-work drinking is not healthy.
4. Several examples are used to support the main idea stated at the beginning.
5. Several examples come before a statement of the main idea.

2. Which statement is NOT TRUE about traditional Korean company get-togethers?

1. They are becoming unpopular among employees.

2. They have not always achieved their intended purpose.
3. They help improve employees' looks and energy levels.
4. They can have a negative impact on employees' family life.
5. They are aimed at relieving employees' stress.

3. According to the passage, which pair of words has the opposite meaning?

1. ditching - quitting
2. profile - performance
3. booze - beer
4. energized - drained
5. pursuits - sessions

Passage 5

1 The Committee of Advertising Practice or CAP - the code-setting committee for all
advertising in the UK that appears in any media except on TV and radio (broadcast media) -
has begun a public discussion on limiting where ads promoting products high in fat, salt,
and sugar can appear in media including the press, posters, billboards, magazines, and on-
line.
2 CAP is exploring specifically whether junk food ads should be banned from media
targeted at children under the age of 12 or 16. “Advertising is just one small factor in a very
complex equation but we believe we can play a positive part in addressing obesity in chil-
dren. In proposing new rules, our aim is to strike the right balance between protecting chil-
dren and enabling businesses to continue advertising their products responsibly,” said the
chairman of CAP.
3 There is already a total ban on junk food TV advertising around all children’s pro-
gramming and all shows that have a 20% higher proportion of under 16-year-old
viewers than the UK average.
4 CAP is also looking to relax rules that ban the use of licensed characters, such as
Elmo from Sesame Street, and celebrities popular with children in campaigns aimed directly
at pre-school or primary school children. The new rules will ban them solely from being
used to promote junk food, but open them up to being used to advertise healthier foods to
children.
5 Available evidence shows that advertising has a modest effect on children’s food
preference, but other factors like parental influence, opportunities for physical exercise, edu-
cation, etc., play greater roles in the causes of – and solutions to – childhood obesity,” said
CAP. “_____________, CAP believes a relatively small positive impact from new advertis-
ing restrictions could make a meaningful contribution to tackling this important health is-
sue.”

1. What is the main idea of the passage?

1. CAP is responsible for writing the UK Advertising Codes.

2. CAP is exploring where junk food can be advertised.
3. Junk food is set to be banned from schools.
4. Advertising plays a very important role in children’s food choices.
5. Incidences of obesity in school-age children are on the rise.

2. The pronoun them in paragraph 4 refers to ____________.

1. licensed characters and celebrities

2. viewers under 16
3. TV and radio shows
4. all children’s programmes
5. campaigns aimed at pre-schoolers

3. It can be inferred from the passage that celebrities ______________.

1. have greater influence on children’s food habits than their parents do

2. will be facing stricter regulations under the new rules set by CAP
3. can have a double-edged effect on children’s food preferences
4. can appear freely in broadcast and non-broadcast media ads
5. will continue to be banned from appearing in any ads directed at children
4. Which of the following can best complete the blank in the last paragraph?

1. In other words
2. In addition
3. However
4. Therefore
5. Moreover

5. It can be inferred that ______________.

1. all ads in the UK are under the supervision of CAP

2. CAP’s objective is only to protect teenage viewers from harmful ads
3. CAP thinks that parents should do more to prevent obesity in children
4. not all TV programmes are subject to restrictions on ads promoting junk foods
5. CAP has no power to put restrictions on ads aimed at adults

Passage 6

1 Brown is beautiful. And not just for skin; some of the best things in the universe are
brown. Just think of all the gorgeous, delicious, happy things we love that are brown;
brownies (duh!), chocolate, almonds, and the fertile Earth. And brown isn’t just gorgeous,
it’s so warm. Brown screams hug me; lean on me if you need to; curl up under me and sleep
well. You can trust brown.
2 So why does brown skin get such a bad rap in Asia? Why is everyone trying to get
white? This is an especially perplexing question when one considers that in the wintery-
white West, everyone wants brown skin. What gives?
3 The answer, of course, like with most things, is money. Especially since the rise of
big advertisement business in the 1960s (Hello, Mad Men), corporations have been strategi-
cally trying to sell people shit they don’t need. Of course, they know people aren’t easily
fooled (actually, most are), so they must “invent” this false need by planting the seeds of
self-doubt in us; either directly or in subtle ways that we might not detect, but our powerful
subconsciousness surely will. How do they create this need? It’s easy! Tell people every
day and in every way on TV, on radio, in magazines, online, and even on the damn BTS that
they aren’t good enough the way they are; we are all damaged. We are too short, too ugly,
our hair doesn’t shine enough, our breath is too smelly, our boobs are too small, and on and
on. And, of course, because we are so imperfect, we will never
be happy or successful or get that hot girl or that prince charming. In fact, how do we even
manage to leave the house in the sad, sad state we are in?! These 24-7 hate messages have
bombarded us so relentlessly that we are now fully desensitized to just how malicious, sinis-
ter and effective they are. It’s almost impossible now, but remember when you were around
five or six years old and you thought you were pretty happy just the way you were? Well,
were you ever wrong!
4 But fear not because the same corporations who spend millions telling us we suck,
just luckily have a product (most likely disposable) to solve all of our problems; magic!
In the West, where white-skinned people are associated with being “sickly pale,” and
“too poor” to afford a vacation to the sunny beach, they sell us bronze cream and tanning
beds and trips to Thailand to lie on the beach and get...brown. ____________, in Asia,
you can avoid looking so low-so and being mistakenly associated with a farm job by
using skin whitener. That’s right, bleach your skin like you do your dirty underwear!
Shame on you! It worked for Michael Jackson, didn’t it? Yes, for every problem they
give us, there is a spray, a cream, a subscription, a lucky charm, a something to make us
“normal” again.
5 Well, my lovely brown skinned Asian friends, enjoy the natural beauty that “god”
and the gorgeous dark universes have given you, and say “no” to the cynical corporate idiots
who try and take it from you. Choose the red pill and be happy because in the real world,
brown is beautiful!

1. What is the tone of the passage?

1. Sarcastic
2. Humorous
3. Disappointed
4. Persuasive
5. Objective

2. The pronoun they in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

1. corporations
2. subconsciousnesses
3. people
4. subtle ways
5. the seeds of self-doubt

3. According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?

1. In the wintery-white West, brown skinned people have more chance for success in
 life and business.
2. Relentless commercial bombardment results in people being more sensitive to
their impacts.
3. White skin is a sign of high class in the wintery-white West because one had
enough money to stay indoors while most Asians had to toil in the sun.
4. Asian countries look down on dark skin because they don’t want to be
perceived as a criminal.
5. The rise of big advertisement business is associated with the reason making
most Asian people wanting to be white.

4. Which of the following best completes the blank in paragraph 4?

1. In other words
2. In addition
3. Conversely
4. Therefore
5. In fact

Passage 7

The earliest recorded face mask-like objects in history are from the 6th century BC. Some
images of people wearing cloth over their mouths were found on the doors of Persian
tombs. In China, a kind of scarf woven with silk and gold threads from the Yuan Dynasty
(1279-1368) is believed to be the earliest item in China that is similar to today's face mask.
According to The Travels of Marco Polo written by an Italian who once traveled in
China during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), servants serving the emperor during meals
needed to wear silk scarves to cover their mouths and noses. It was believed that the silk
scarves would keep the servants' breath from impacting the smell and taste of the food.
In the 14th century, the Black Death spread to Europe, greatly promoting the emer-
gence of functional face mask-like objects to offer at least some protection. In the 16th cen-
tury, a French doctor invented the beak mask, installing glass in the eye sockets to ensure
visibility. Scented spices or medicines including mint leaves were placed in the beak section
to filter out disease. That same century, Leonardo da Vinci proposed soaking cloth in water
and placing it on his face in order to filter out toxic chemicals coming from people's respira-
tory systems. is still widely used in fire escape guides today. This effective method is still
widely used in fire escape guides today.

1. In the first paragraph, which statement is TRUE?

1. The origins of face masks date back around 1,500 years.

2. Persian tombs depicting face masks were found in China.
3. Silk scarves were similar to current face masks in material.
4. People left their face masks on the doors of Persian Tombs.
 5. Gold threads from the Yuan Dynasty were of the best quality

2. The function of silk scarves in the Yuan Dynasty was to __________.

1. cover the servants' mouths and noses from being seen in public
2. hide the identity of the emperor as required by tradition
3. hold the servants' breath while serving food
4. assure that the emperor was the first one who could smell the food
5. maintain the smell and flavor of the food

3. The Black Death was a(n) ___________.

1. army
2. disease
3. treatment
4. organization
5. new invention

4. The phrase “This effective method” refers to ___________.

1. cleaning respiratory systems

2. proposing new painting techniques
3. filtering out chemicals
4. using a soaked cloth as a filter
5. practicing fire drills

5. The purpose of this passage is to ___________.

1. entertain
2. surprise
3. upset
4. inform
5. persuade

Passage 8

In English, the word "salad" first appeared in the 14th century. Vegetables were sea-
soned with brine (a solution of salt in water) during Roman times. The phrase "salad days",
meaning a "time of youthful inexperience", was first recorded by Shakespeare in 1606,
while the use of salad bar, referring to a buffet-style serving of salad ingredients, first ap-
peared in American English in the 1960s.
In his 1699 book, John Evelyn attempted with little success to encourage his fel-
low Britons to eat fresh salad greens. Mary, Queen of Scots, ate boiled celery root over
greens covered with creamy mustard dressing, and slices of hard-boiled eggs.
Oil used on salads can be found in the mid-17th-century colony of New Netherland
(later called New York, New Jersey and Delaware). In a 1665 letter to the Director of New
Netherland from the Island of Curacao: "I request most amicably that your honor be
pleased to send me seed of every sort, such as cabbage, carrots, lettuce, parsley, etc. for
none can be acquired here and I know that your honor has plenty…”.
Salads may be sold in supermarkets, at restaurants and at fast food chains. Salad
restaurants earned more than $300 million in 2014. At-home salad consumption has risen
since 2010, but is moving away from freshly-chopped lettuce and toward bagged greens and
salad kits, with bag sales expected to reach $7 billion per year by 2022.

1. What does the bold part about John Evelyn mean?

1. Unlike his friends, he did not try hard to eat fresh salad greens.
2. He tried, but generally failed to persuade others to eat fresh salad greens.
3. His friends wanted to follow what John Evelyn did but they gave up.
4. He, with little effort, followed his friends in eating fresh salad greens.
5. He finally managed to convince his friends to try fresh salad greens.

2. The purpose of the 1665 letter was to ___________.

1. ask for some vegetable seeds

2. send vegetables of green color
3. inquire for more information about vegetable roots
4. express gratitude for the seeds received
5. highlight the friendship in growing greens

3. The phrase ''your honor" in the letter refers to _________.

1. Governor of New Jersey

2. Director of New Netherland
3. Governor of New York
4. King of the Island of Curacao
5. Governor of Delaware ''your honor"

4. Which one has the longest history?

1. Salad bar
2. Salad restaurant
3. Salad day
4. Salad kits
5. Salad oil

5. Which statement is TRUE?

1. Vegetables were not tasty in the 16th century.

2. Salad was very popular in Scotland.
3. Salt was associated with salad during the Roman times.
4. In the mid-17th-century, letter writing was the only means of communication.
5. Salad kits consumption outnumbers bagged greens.