TOPIC: ENVIRONMENT

One of the most urgent environmental problems in the world today is the shortage of clean
water. Having clean drinking water is a basic human right. However, acid rain, industrial
pollution and garbage have made many sources of water undrinkable. Lakes, reservoirs and even
entire seas have become vast pools of poison. Lake Baikal in Russia is one of the largest lakes in
the world. It contains a rich variety of animals and plants, including 1,300 rare species that do
not exist anywhere else in the world. Yet, they are being destroyed by the massive volumes of
industrial effluent which pour into the lake every day. Even though laws have been made, the
government does not have the power to enforce them. Most industries simply ignore the
regulations. The Mediterranean Sea occupies 1% of the world’s water surface, but it is the
dumping ground for 50% of all marine pollution. Almost 16 countries regularly throw industrial
wastes a few miles off shore.
Water is free to everyone. A few years ago, people thought that the supply of clean water in
the world was limitless. Today, many water supplies have been ruined by pollution and sewage.
Clean water is now scarce, and we are at last beginning to respect this precious source. We
should do something now.
36. According to the writer, one environmental problem in the world today is __________.
A. safe water shortage B. pools of poison
C. industrial pollution D. population explosion
37. What is the serious problem of Lake Baikal in Russia?
A. It has 1,300 rare species that do not exist anywhere else in the world.
B. It is one of the largest lakes that contain a variety of animals and plants.
C. It is polluted by massive volumes of industrial wastes discharged into it.
D. It is the only lake in Russia whose source of water is not drinkable.
38. What does the word "them” in the passage refer to?
A. laws B. the government C. animals D. plants
39. What is the message to the readers?
A. We should take action to protect our water sources.
B. We should take all water sources into account.
C. We should limit the use of water sources.
D. We should encourage people to use safe water.
40. The word "sewage” is CLOSEST in meaning to __________.
A. waste B. plastic C. treatment D. poison
TOPIC: ENTERTAINMENT

50 years back in time and even before that, in the absence of the Internet and various hi tech
toys, the entertainment world used to be so different from what it is nowadays. Running wild on
the pastures, and bathing in the river, children back then saw nature as their playground and were
curious to explore and enjoy it in their own creative ways. They found small objects around them
to make toys. Boys used branches as swords for mock battles while girls used them as chopsticks
to play imaginary restaurants. In this way, children enjoyed themselves on the way to school,
during school breaks, and even when they were herding buffaloes. At that time, tug of war, hide
and seek, and skipping were popular games. Some have even made it through to today. The fact
that those popular games which were meant to be played in groups made it easier and faster for
children to make friends. Moreover, people rarely moved away from their hometown, so
childhood bonds were even stronger as children grew up playing together all their life.
What is the passage mainly about?
A. Today’s entertainment world B. History of games and entertainment
C. Childhood bonds D. Children’s entertainment in the past
31. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT a popular game in the past?
A. Hide-and-seek B. Skipping C. Tug of war D. Card games
32. According to the passage, the girls use branches as ______________ to play imaginary
restaurants.
A. battles B. swords C. chopsticks D. fishing rods
33. The word “explore” in the passage is closest in meaning to ______________.
A. play B. discover C. find D. destroy
34. The word “They” in the passage refers to ______________.
A. children B. branches C. chopsticks D. toys
TOPIC: JOBS

If you have decided to be a doctor or an engineer, it’s easy to get information about how to
become one. It’s more difficult if you want to be an actor. Nobody can say, “First you do this,
then you do that, and one day you’re an actor”. But I can tell you some things that will help.
Learning to be an actor usually starts at school. Drama lessons and clubs can teach students
many things, including different ways of acting and how to write their own plays. Writing helps
you understand a lot about acting. But even more important is learning to work in a group with
other actors.
However, school lessons and clubs are only one part of learning about being an actor. Find
small theatre groups near where you live - and don’t worry about being the star! It doesn’t matter
if you only have one word to say in a play, it will still help you improve. You need to be on stage
as much as possible, in a variety of different types of plays.
When you finish school, you should think about studying at university. Of course, it’s
possible to be an actor without going to university, but doing a theatre course is a good idea for
some people. These courses may improve your acting, and also help you learn about a variety of
subjects, such as business, history, music and dance.
36. What is the best title for this text?
A. My Life as an Actor B. How to Become an Actor
C. Different Types of Acting Jobs D. Going to University May Help
37. According to paragraph 1, if you want to become an actor, it’s difficult to _____________.
A. decide if it’s a good job for you B. find out what you need to do
C. tell people why you want it D. compare with other jobs
38. The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to _____________.
A. schools’ B. lessons’ C. clubs’ D. students’
39. What advice does the writer give in paragraph 3?
A. Practice acting outside school. B. Meet theatre stars who live near you
C. Learn about all kinds of jobs in theatres D. Remember your words in the play
40. The phrase “a variety of” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to _____________.
A. many B. important C. unnecessary D. difficult