Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 30 to 34.                                          

BASKETBALL

Although he created the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. James A Naismith was a Canadian. Working as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA, now Springfield College, Dr. Naismith noticed a lack of interest in exercise among students during the wintertime. The New England winters were fierce, and the students balked at participating in outdoor activities. Naismith determined a fast-moving game that could be played indoors would fill a void after the baseball and football seasons had ended.

First, he attempted to adapt outdoor games such as soccer and rugby to indoor play, but he soon found them unsuitable for confined areas. Finally, he determined that he would have to invent a game.

In December of 1891, Dr. Naismith hung two old peach baskets at either end of the gymnasium at the school, and, using a soccer ball and nine players on each side, organized the first basketball game. The early rules allowed three points for each basket and made running with the ball violation. Every time a goal was made, someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball.

Nevertheless, the game became popular. In less than a year, basketball was being played in both the United States and Canada. Five years later, a championship tournament was staged in New York City, which was won by the Brooklyn Central YMCA.

The teams had already been reduced to seven players, and five became standard in 1897 season. When basketball was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Luis, it quickly spread throughout the world. In 1906, a metal hoop was used for the first time to replace the basket, but the name basketball has remained.

Which of the following is NOT true about typical rules of the early game of basketball?

A. nine players were on a team 

B. the ball had to be retrieved from the basket after each score 

C. three points were scored for every basket 

D. running with the ball was not a foul

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 30 to 34.                                          

BASKETBALL

Although he created the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. James A Naismith was a Canadian. Working as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA, now Springfield College, Dr. Naismith noticed a lack of interest in exercise among students during the wintertime. The New England winters were fierce, and the students balked at participating in outdoor activities. Naismith determined a fast-moving game that could be played indoors would fill a void after the baseball and football seasons had ended.

First, he attempted to adapt outdoor games such as soccer and rugby to indoor play, but he soon found them unsuitable for confined areas. Finally, he determined that he would have to invent a game.

In December of 1891, Dr. Naismith hung two old peach baskets at either end of the gymnasium at the school, and, using a soccer ball and nine players on each side, organized the first basketball game. The early rules allowed three points for each basket and made running with the ball violation. Every time a goal was made, someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball.

Nevertheless, the game became popular. In less than a year, basketball was being played in both the United States and Canada. Five years later, a championship tournament was staged in New York City, which was won by the Brooklyn Central YMCA.

The teams had already been reduced to seven players, and five became standard in 1897 season. When basketball was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Luis, it quickly spread throughout the world. In 1906, a metal hoop was used for the first time to replace the basket, but the name basketball has remained.

What does this passage mainly discuss?

A. Dr. James Naismith 

B. The development of basketball 

C. The YMCA athletic program 

D. The Olympic Games in St. Luis in 1904

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 30 to 34.                                          

BASKETBALL

Although he created the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. James A Naismith was a Canadian. Working as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA, now Springfield College, Dr. Naismith noticed a lack of interest in exercise among students during the wintertime. The New England winters were fierce, and the students balked at participating in outdoor activities. Naismith determined a fast-moving game that could be played indoors would fill a void after the baseball and football seasons had ended.

First, he attempted to adapt outdoor games such as soccer and rugby to indoor play, but he soon found them unsuitable for confined areas. Finally, he determined that he would have to invent a game.

In December of 1891, Dr. Naismith hung two old peach baskets at either end of the gymnasium at the school, and, using a soccer ball and nine players on each side, organized the first basketball game. The early rules allowed three points for each basket and made running with the ball violation. Every time a goal was made, someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball.

Nevertheless, the game became popular. In less than a year, basketball was being played in both the United States and Canada. Five years later, a championship tournament was staged in New York City, which was won by the Brooklyn Central YMCA.

The teams had already been reduced to seven players, and five became standard in 1897 season. When basketball was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Luis, it quickly spread throughout the world. In 1906, a metal hoop was used for the first time to replace the basket, but the name basketball has remained.

Why did Naismith decide to invent basketball?

A. He was tired of baseball and football 

B. He did not like soccer or rugby. 

C. He wanted his students to exercise during the winter. 

D. He could not convince his students to play indoors.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 30 to 34.                                          

BASKETBALL

Although he created the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. James A Naismith was a Canadian. Working as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA, now Springfield College, Dr. Naismith noticed a lack of interest in exercise among students during the wintertime. The New England winters were fierce, and the students balked at participating in outdoor activities. Naismith determined a fast-moving game that could be played indoors would fill a void after the baseball and football seasons had ended.

First, he attempted to adapt outdoor games such as soccer and rugby to indoor play, but he soon found them unsuitable for confined areas. Finally, he determined that he would have to invent a game.

In December of 1891, Dr. Naismith hung two old peach baskets at either end of the gymnasium at the school, and, using a soccer ball and nine players on each side, organized the first basketball game. The early rules allowed three points for each basket and made running with the ball violation. Every time a goal was made, someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball.

Nevertheless, the game became popular. In less than a year, basketball was being played in both the United States and Canada. Five years later, a championship tournament was staged in New York City, which was won by the Brooklyn Central YMCA.

The teams had already been reduced to seven players, and five became standard in 1897 season. When basketball was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Luis, it quickly spread throughout the world. In 1906, a metal hoop was used for the first time to replace the basket, but the name basketball has remained.

The word “fierce” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ________.

A. long

B. boring

C. extreme

D. dark

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 30 to 34.                                          

BASKETBALL

Although he created the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. James A Naismith was a Canadian. Working as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA, now Springfield College, Dr. Naismith noticed a lack of interest in exercise among students during the wintertime. The New England winters were fierce, and the students balked at participating in outdoor activities. Naismith determined a fast-moving game that could be played indoors would fill a void after the baseball and football seasons had ended.

First, he attempted to adapt outdoor games such as soccer and rugby to indoor play, but he soon found them unsuitable for confined areas. Finally, he determined that he would have to invent a game.

In December of 1891, Dr. Naismith hung two old peach baskets at either end of the gymnasium at the school, and, using a soccer ball and nine players on each side, organized the first basketball game. The early rules allowed three points for each basket and made running with the ball violation. Every time a goal was made, someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball.

Nevertheless, the game became popular. In less than a year, basketball was being played in both the United States and Canada. Five years later, a championship tournament was staged in New York City, which was won by the Brooklyn Central YMCA.

The teams had already been reduced to seven players, and five became standard in 1897 season. When basketball was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Luis, it quickly spread throughout the world. In 1906, a metal hoop was used for the first time to replace the basket, but the name basketball has remained.

The word “them” in paragraph 2 refers to ________.

A. seasons

B. areas

C. indoors

D. games

1. Read the passage and choose the best answer A, B, C or D for each of the questions below.
Basketball involves two teams of five players each. The players score points by throwing a large
round ball into a raised goal called a basket. One basket is at each end of the playing area or court.
Players may move the ball towards the basket only by bouncing it on the floor or passing it to
another team member. Each team also tries to prevent the other team from scoring. The team that
scores the most points is the winner.

Both men and women were playing basketball at schools and sports centers throughout North
America. It became so popular that people started paying money to watch basketball games.
American soldiers took the game to Europe during World War One.
In 1936, basketball became part of the competition at the Olympic Games. About the same time,
college basketball became a major national sport in the United States.
1. How many players are there in a basketball team?
A. There are two players in a basketball team.
B. There are two basketball teams.
C. There are five players in each basketball team.
D. There are ten players in a basketball team.
2. How do the basketball players score points?
A. They kick and throw a ball into a raised goal called a basket.
B. They kick the ball into a basket.
C. They throw the ball into a raised goal called a basket.
D. They throw a ball to the goal in the end of court.
3. Why does each team try to prevent the other team from scoring?
A. They want the other team to score more points.
B. They don’t want the other team to score more points.
C. They want to throw a ball at the other team.
D. They don’t want to score more points.
4. Who were playing basketball in North America?
A. Only American men can play basketball at schools and sport centers.
B. Both American men and women were playing basketball at schools and sport centers.
C. American women can play basketball at schools and sport centers.
D. Young people can play basketball at schools and sport centers.
5. When did basketball become part of the competition at the Olympic Games?
A. In 1936 B. Before 1936 C. In 1956 D. 50 years ago

Although he created the game of basketball at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Dr. James A. Naismith was a Canadian. Working as a physical education instructor at the International YMCA, now Springfield College, Dr. Naismith noticed a lack of interest in exercise among students during the wintertime. The New England winters were fierce, and the students balked at participating in outdoor activities. Naismith determined that a fast-moving game that could be played indoors would fill a void after the baseball and football seasons had ended.

            First he attempted to adapt outdoor games such as soccer and rugby to indoor play, but he soon found them unsuitable for confined areas. Finally, he determined that he would have to invent a game.

            In December of 1891, Dr. Naismith hung two old peach baskets at either end of the gymnasium at the school, and, using a soccer ball and nine players on each side, organized the first basketball game. The early rules allowed three points for each basket and made running with the ball a violation. Every time a goal was made,

someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball.

            Nevertheless, the game became popular. In less than a year, basketball was being played in both the United States and Canada. Five years later, a championship tournament was staged in New York City, which was won by the Brooklyn Central YMCA.

            The teams had already been reduced to seven players, and five became standard in the 1897 season. When basketball was introduced as a demonstration sport in the 1904 Olympic Games in St. Louis, it quickly spread throughout the world. In 1906, a metal hoop was used for the first time to replace the basket, but the name basketball has remained.

1. What does this passage mainly discuss?

A. The Olympic Games in St. Louis in 1904

B. The development of basketball

C. The YMCA athletic program

D. Dr. James Naismith

2 .The word "fierce" is closest in meaning to

A. long                       B. boring                    C. extreme                 D. dark

3. The phrase "balked at" could best be replaced by

A. resisted                 B enjoyed                  C. excellent at           D. were exhausted by

4. Why did Naismith decide to invent basketball?

A. He did not like soccer or rugby.

B. He was tired of baseball and football.

C. He wanted his students to exercise during the winter.

D. He could not convince his students to play indoors.

5. It can be inferred from the passage that the original baskets

A. were not placed very high

B. had a metal rim

C. did not have a hole in the bottom

D. were hung on the same side

Read  the  following  passage  and  mark  the  letter A, B, C, or D on  your  answer  sheet  to  indicate  the correct   answer  to  each  of  the  questions   from   22  to  26

A.   Read the passage carefully, then choose the correct answer.

The ruined temples of Angkor are perhaps one of the mast impressive Seven Wonders of the World. Located in modern day Cambodia near Lake TonIe Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Asia, Angkor was the seat of power for the Khmer Empire from the ninth to the fifteenth century. The ruins of Angkor are documented as same .of the mast impressive ones in the world, rivaling the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Why this mighty civilization died out is a question that archeologists are now only beginning to ponder. The answer, it turns out, may be linked with the availability of fresh water.

One possible explanation far the downfall of the Khmer Empire has to do with the inhabitants' irrigation system. The temple and palaces of Angkor were constructed around a series of artificial reservoirs and canals which were annually flooded to capacity by the Mekong River. Once filled, they were used to irrigate the surrounding rice patties and farmland during the course of the year. Farmers were completely dependent upon the water for their crucial rice crop. Without consistent irrigation, the farmers would have been unable to maintain functional crop production.

Scientists speculate that toward the end of the Khmer Empire the hydraulic systems of the reservoirs and canals broke down. The construction of hundreds of sandstone temples and palaces required an enormous amount of physical labor. In addition, as the capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor contained upwards of one hundred thousand people who resided in and around Angkor. In order to feed so many people, the local farmers were driven to grow food quicker and more efficiently. After centuries of continual use, the irrigation system was pushed beyond its capacity. Soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and the loss of water led to decrease in the food supply. With less food available, the people of Angkor slowly began to migrate to other parts of Cambodia thus leaving the marvelous city of Angkor to be swallowed by the jungle. Therefore, it is speculated that the Khmer Empire may have fallen victim to its own decrepit infrastructure.

22. What is the passage mainly about?

A. Modern day agricultural procedures in Cambodia.

B. A possible explanation for the, decline of a civilization.

C. The essential role water plays in farming.

D. Religious temples of the ancient Khmer Empire.

23. The passage preceding the passage most likely discusses ______.

A. architecture of ancient Asian civilization

B. religious practices of the people of Angkor

C. the form of government practiced by the Khmer Empire

D. the other six wonders of the world

24. According to the passage, Lake Tonle Sap in Cambodia ______.

A. is an enormous fresh body of water in Asia

B. was unable to supply enough fish for the people of Angkor

C. became polluted due to a population explosion

D. is one of the Seven Wonders of the World

25. Why does the author mention the hydraulic systems of the reservoirs?

A. They supplied irrigation from the Indian Ocean.

B. They became non-functional due to overuse.

C. They were destroyed by nearby warrior tribes.

D. They helped transport the sandstones for constructing temples.

26. It can be inferred from the passage that the inhabitants of the Khmer Empire ______.

A. were intentionally starved by the farmers

B. lost their food source due to excess rainfall

C. supplemented their diets with 'meat hunted in the nearby jungles

D. depended upon rice as their main source of food

27. All the following are mentioned as events that can affect food supply EXCEPT.

A. erosion of soil                                       B. contamination of soil

C. reduction of nutrients                            D. loss of water supply

Read the passage below and choose the best option A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions

Passage 1:

New Orleans, in Louisiana, is known as the most unique city in the United States with distinctive architecture, cross-cultural heritage and annual music festivals.

However, due to its location along the Mississippi River with lakes on the other side, and nearly half of the city below sea level, the city faces the danger of flooding. So, a levee system and drainage canals were built to protect the city.

Early in the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina, the most destructive natural disaster in the history of New Orleans, struck the city. The storm brought strong winds and heavy rains for several days. As a result, water from the river and lakes rose, breaking the levees and poured directly into the city. Soon 80 percent of the city was under the water. People scrambled to rooftops for safety, desperate for food and drinking water. The winds were so strong that even beds in Hyatt Hotel were seen flying out of the hotel windows. The loss was tremendous. Most of the major roads and bridges were destroyed, and houses collapsed. Nearly 2,000 people were killed. After the storm, several natural grounds for the breeding and migrating of different species of animals and birds were permanently lost.

Question 1: New Orleans is famous for ___________.

A.  its modern architecture                     C. its Mississippi River

B. its cross-cultural heritage                    D. its location

Question 2: Which statement is NOT correct about New Orleans?

A. It lies between the Mississippi River and lakes.

B. One of its attractions is its annual music festivals

C. The city is surrounded by water.

D. Most of the city is below sea level.

Question 3: Which one is NOT mentioned as being damaged by Hurricane Katrina?

A. Distinctive architecture         B. The levee system      C. Major roads        D. Houses

Question 4: The word ‘tremendous' means ___________.

A.puzzling                       B. huge                 C. unique                   D. legendary

Question 5: The word ‘permanently' is similar to ___________.

A.  temporarily            B.  partially                  C.  forever         D.  rarely

Passage 2:

        How can scientists predict earthquakes? Earthquakes are not scattered anywhere but happen in certain areas. They happen in places where pieces of the earth’s surface meet. For example, earthquakes often occur on the west-coast of North and South America, around the Mediterranean Sea, and along the Pacific coast of Asia.

Another way to predict earthquakes is to look for changes in the earth’s surface, like a sudden drop of water level in the ground. Some people say animals can predict earthquakes. Before earthquakes people have seen chickens sitting in trees, fish jumping out of the water, snake leaving their holes and other animals acting strangely.

After an earthquake happens, people can die from lack of food, water and medical supplies. The amount of destruction caused by an earthquake depend on types of building, soil conditions and population. Of the 6000 earthquakes on the earth each year, only about fifteen cause great damage and many deaths.

Question 1:  Earthquakes happen in certain areas where _______________.

A. the population is large             B. pieces of the earth’s surface meet

C. the soil conditions are stable      D. many buildings are built

Question 2: Earthquakes often happen along ________________.

A. the east-coast of North America          B. the east-coast of South America

C. the Pacific coast of Asia             D. the coast of Australia

Question 3: Looking for ____________ can help predict earthquakes.

A. changes in the earth’s surface        B. water beneath the earth’s surface

C. drops of water                     D. water currents

Question 4: After an earthquake, as a result of _________ people may die.

A. lack of food                              B. lack of friendship

C. lack of information              D. lack of knowledge

Question 5: The passage mainly discusses ______________.

A. the damage caused by earthquakes B. how strong earthquakes are

C. strange animal behaviors                         D. how to predict earthquakes