Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.
Baseball evolved from a number of different ball-and stick games (paddle ball, trap ball, one-old-cat, rounders, and town ball) originating in England. As early as the American Revolution, it was noted that troops played “baseball” in their free time. In 1845 Alexander Cartwright formalized the New York Knickerbockers’ version of the game: a diamond shaped infield, with bases ninety feet apart, three strikers - you’re - out, batter out on a caught ball, three outs per inning, a nine-man team. “The New York Game” spread rapidly, replacing earlier localized forms. From its beginnings, baseball was seen as a way of satisfying the recreational needs of an increasingly urban - industrial society. At its inception it was it was played by and for gentlemen. A club might consist of 40 members. The president would appoint two captains who would choose teams from among the members. Games were played on Monday and Thursday afternoons, with the losers often providing a lavish evening’s entertainments for the winners.
During the 1850 - 70 period the game was changing, however, with increasing commercialism (charging admission), under - the - table payments to exceptional players, and gambling on the outcome of games. By 1868 it was said that a club would have their regular professional ten, an amateur first - nine, and their “muffins” (the gentlemanly duffers who once ran the game). Beginning with the first openly all - salaried team (Cincinnati’s Red Stocking Club) in 1869, the 1870- 1890 period saw the complete professionalization of baseball, including formation of the National Association of Professional baseball players in 1871. The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was formed in 1876, run by business-minded invertors in joint-stock company clubs. The 1880s has been called Major League Baseball’s “Golden Age”. Profits soared, player’s salaries rose somewhat, a season of 84 games became one of 132, a weekly periodical “The sporting News” came into being, wooden stadiums with double-deck stands replaced open fields, and the standard refreshment became hot dogs, soda pop and peanuts. In 1900 the Western League based in the growing cities of the Mis west proclaimed itself the American League.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a feature of the 1880s “Golden Age”?
A. Wooden stadiums replaced open fields.
B. A weekly periodical commenced.
C. The National Association of Professional Baseball Players was formed.
D. Profits soared.
Đáp án C.
Key words: NOT mentioned, feature, 1880s, Golden Age
Clue: “The 1880s has been called Major League Baseball’s “Golden Age”. Profits soared, player’s salaries rose somewhat, a season of 84 games became one of 132, a weekly periodial “The sporting News” came into being, wooden stadium with double-deck stands replaced open fields” : Những năm 1880 được gọi là "Thời đại vàng" của Major League. Lợi nhuận tăng cao, lương của các cầu thủ tăng lên, một giải đấu gồm 84 trận tăng lên 132, tin tức thể thao hằng tuần liên tục được cập nhật, sân đấu bằng gỗ thay thể cho các sân đấu mở
Phân tích đáp án:
A. wooden stadiums replaced open fields: sân đấu bằng gỗ thay thế cho các sân đấu mở
B. a weekly periodical commenced: một tạp chí hàng tuần bắt đầu xuất hiện
C. the National Association of Professional Baseball Players was formed: câu lạc bộ bóng chày chuyên nghiệp được thành lập
D. profits soared: lợi nhuận tăng cao
Dễ thấy 3 đáp án A, B, D đều được nhắc đến trong clue.
Do đó đáp án sai là C. the National Association of Professional Baseball Players was formed.
Hon nữa, trong câu phía trước clue có nhắc đến việc Câu lạc bộ bóng chày chuyên nghiệp toàn quốc được thành lập năm 1876. Mà năm 1876 không thuộc những năm 1880. Thuật ngữ những năm 1880 ám chỉ các năm từ 1880 đến 1889.