Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 23 to 27.
Welcome to the Netherlands, a tiny country that only extends, at its broadest, 312 km north to south, and 264 km east to west - (23) _________ the land area increases slightly each year as a result of continuous land reclamation and drainage. With a lot of heart and much to offer, ‘Holland,’ as it is (24) _________ known to most of us abroad - a name stemming from its once most prominent provinces - has more going on per kilometer than most countries, and more English-speaking natives. You’ll be impressed by its (25) _________ cities and charmed by its countryside and villages, full of contrasts. From the exciting variety on offer, you could choose a romantic canal boat tour in Amsterdam, a Royal Tour by coach in The Hague, or a hydrofoil tour around the biggest harbour in the world - Rotterdam. In season you could visit the dazzling bulb fields, enjoy a full day on a boat, or take a bike tour through the pancake-flat countryside spiced with windmills. The possibilities are countless and the nationwide tourist office is on hand to give you information and help you (26) _________reservations. You’ll have (27) _________language problems here, as the Dutch are true linguists and English is spoken here almost universally.
Điền vào ô 23.
A. so
B. despite
C. in spite of
D. although
Chọn đáp án D
- so: vì thế, cho nên
- despite ~ in spite of + N/ V-ing: mặc dù
- although + a clause (S+ V): mặc dù
“Welcome to the Netherlands, a tiny country that only extends ... although the land area increases slightly each year (Chào mừng đến với Hà Lan, một quốc gia nhỏ chỉ rộng .... mặc dù diện tích đất tăng nhẹ mỗi năm,..)