II. You are going to read an article in which four crime writers talk about other authors they like. For questions 1–10, choose from the crime writers (A–D). The writers may be chosen more than once.

A.  John Harvey on Peter Temple

I started reading Temple’s books about 10 years ago, and at the time it was fairly straightforward crime fiction set in Australia, a lot of it with a horse-racing background. The books were OK, but not exceptional. Then suddenly with The Broken Shore, he just hit something quite different and moved up a level. He is writing the kind of books I‘ve spent 20 years trying to write, and writing them better than I do. He’s using crime fiction not just to tell a story, but to say something about today’s society. He really gets the connections between politics, the police and the media right. I love the writing – it‘s really taut and a lesson in how to say a lot without being too wordy.

B.  Sara Paretsky on Liza Cody

There is a lot of good, stylish writing out there that puts me off because it’s unfelt. I’m looking for someone who has a gift for storytelling, and who is willing to do the hard work of digging into the emotional aspect of life. Liza Cody does that, and she takes a lot of risks. She doesn’t just do the easy thing to be recognized in the marketplace; she goes where the story and emotion takes her. For instance, she had to self-publish her most recent book, Ballad of A Dead Nobody, because no one in the industry was willing to. These days, you’re told you have to create a brand or a series, with a recognizable link. She is willing to turn her back on that and focus on what her inner voice is telling her.

C.  Mark Billingham on Michael Connelly

The first Connelly book I read was The Poet, his first standalone novel and a big breakthrough for him. By then, he had written four books in his Harry Bosch series, which I went back to read. He has maintained a level of quality through a long-running series – an incredibly difficult thing to achieve. People talk about how you create suspense, tricks such as cliffhangers and reveals, but actually the real secret is to create characters the readers care about. Bosch, a detective in the Los Angeles Police Department, is a character who has grown and changed, who you come to know and care about. All that aside, he is a fantastic storyteller, probably the best in modern mystery fiction. I think his days as a journalist – he was a crime reporter on the Los Angeles Times – stood him in good stead because he never forgets the story.

D.  Ann Cleeves on Johan Theorin

I read Theorin’s first novel, Echoes from the Dead, after my Swedish editor had said: ‘There’s this Swedish author writing four books set on an island in the Baltic – I wonder if he stole the idea from you?’ because I’ve written novels set in the Shetlands. I was a bit annoyed – although I’m sure it was coincidental – so I wasn’t prepared to like it. But I really loved it. He has this interesting detective who is elderly and lives in a sheltered housing complex, so he can’t be out there doing car chases. One of the books is about this crumbling house by the shore and you’re not sure if there’s a supernatural element. It has the most wonderful climax. Theorin is prepared to take his time over the telling of the story, which is unusual these days. If you look at the bestsellers, they usually move quite rapidly. There is nothing wrong with that, but Theorin writes in a much deeper, literary way.

• Read the texts about five people working with animals and the questions below. For each question choose the correct person. The people may be chosen more than once.

A. Veterinary surgeon – Seb Prior

Seb sees a huge variety of creatures in his role as a veterinary surgeon. He says, “Anything can come through the door; you just wouldn’t believe it. We do general pet care and, because the clinic’s so close to a road, I spend lots of time dealing with animals who’ve been hit by cars. I spend half my day in the clinic and a half doing operations, which is a nice mix. I like being able to get out and reach people – being able to talk to them and answer their questions is a huge part of the job. You can be the best surgeon in the world but if you can’t talk to the clients, that’s a huge problem. You need patience and understanding for the people and the animals.”

B. Wildlife assistant – Wendy Burrows

Wendy sees all sorts of animals, from garden birds to tiny hedgehogs and fully-grown swans and every day is different, but Wendy’s wildlife center is particularly busy during the summer months. She looks after up to 500 hedgehogs and their young, who have to reach a certain weight before they can be let go into the wild. Wendy says, “It’s always a lovely moment when this happens, one of the most satisfying parts of the job”, but if this isn’t achieved by September, the hedgehogs have to be kept at the center over the winter period.”

C. Animal care assistant – Anna Lindley

Anna Lindley cares for a wide range of animals, from dogs and cats to birds and mice and it is these smaller animals that give her the greatest satisfaction. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved animals and I hate it that we often don’t pay attention to the small ones.” Caring for such a range of animals provides an interesting challenge and plenty of work! “With so much to do, I find myself rushing from job to job and never quite keeping up. I love the fact that you never know what you’re going to get, although unfortunately, that does mean I sometimes have to deal with a snake, which I find a bit scary!”

D. Inspector – Justin Stubbs 

“Becoming an animal inspector was something I’d always wanted – along with being a policeman. At first, I had no idea what it involved but actually, the job is better than I ever imagined. There’s never a day when I don’t want to go to work. The job is a lot harder than people realize and it can get me down at times. Over the years I’ve had to learn to put it to the back of my mind when I leave at the end of the day, but that’s easier said than done and it’s true to say that a bit of the job always comes home with me. It’s the nature of the job.”

E. Vet nurse – Naomi Killingsworth 

Naomi works with people as much as animals but not everyone who comes through the hospital doors is as grateful as you might think, as Naomi explains: “Sometimes I wish more people appreciated what we do. We work hard here, but not everyone realizes that. Of course, there are also many people who couldn’t be more grateful for what we’ve done to help their animals – they make it all worthwhile.”

^{+ QUESTIONS:}

1, Which person is pleased with their schedule at work? ___________

2, Which person says their job was a childhood ambition? ___________

3, Which person does a job in which the amount of work varies?  ___________

4, Which person always looks forward to going to work? ___________

5, Which person says communication is an essential skill for their work? ___________

6, Which person is disappointed by some people’s opinion of their work? ___________

7, Which person prefers working with a certain kind of animal? ____________

Exercise 2. You are going to read a magazine article. For questions 43-50, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

                                                                                        Life in the Fast Lane

The next generation of Formula One greats is coming up fast in karts On the grid, minutes before the start of a British Grand Prix in August, the drivers’ faces are grave with concentration. The pre-race interviews are over, and the glamour models are off the track. Fans are screaming from a packed grandstand. Squeezed into his driving seat, wearing a red, white and yellow jumpsuit and white helmet, Nelson Jones is pulling on a pair of tight black gloves. No question where he’s expecting to finish: “First,” he says before pulling down his gold visor. At the start signal, with a burst of engine noise, the drivers dart down to the first turn. It all sounds a lot like a Formula One car race, but there’s a difference - Nelson is all of thirteen years old, and he’s racing in a go-kart. What could be seen as child’s play in this rural town of Lincolnshire is in fact a proving ground for professionals. Almost all of today’s Formula One drivers owe a debt to the experience first gained in a small plastic bucket seat. It is the first step for young talent to move into professional race cars, because it introduces them to the essential basics such as finding the racing line, concentration and how to compete on the track. That track record makes karting a must for youngsters keen to make racing their life’s ambition. Nelson Jones is no different, and has actually been racing since he was eight years old. Nelson’s father, Steve, stood by his son at every step. “I believe everyone has a special talent, and when my son Nelson showed us how gifted he was with racing, even at an incredibly young age, I knew we had to do something. Racing can be really dangerous and it gets expensive, but five years ago, when I had the opportunity to buy him his first official kart, I rushed to do it. It was in a really bad state, but it was perfect for what we had in mind.” The appeal is not hard to see. Karting offers the thrills and spills of real-life racing but with less powerful machines, which can nevertheless reach speeds of 160 km/h. Nelson’s interest in racing was unstoppable; he would wake up early on weekends and work on his race kart, making modifications to increase control and speed. “He had discipline. He used to be up even before me in the mornings, getting ready for the day’s race,” says his father. After taking part in three or four local races in Britain, in which he won first place despite his young age, Nelson decided that he would go for it and have a crack at his first international Grand Prix in Germany, which he won as well. Although Nelson now travels all over Britain and Europe to take part in races, Lincolnshire remains home. Growing up there, the interest he showed in racing was not via the usual exposure to video games, like the other kids he meets at races. “We lived near a small karting racetrack and I became fascinated - I couldn’t stop talking about it. One day, as we were driving past, I made my father stop the car so I could have a better look at the karts flying by. I saw so many people, including kids my own age, and I took a liking to it straight away.” Nelson eventually got his chance to try it out. The family hired an instructor for amateurs to teach Nelson, who took him as far as the age of twelve. The instructor then informed Nelson’s father it was time to look for someone more qualified. Perhaps it is Nelson’s good fortune in having always been expertly advised that has made him so relaxed about facing the pressures of an international racing circuit. But what is it like to be so young with a schedule fully booked with races, and all eyes watching him, expecting victory after victory? “It’s good for me, as I know what I need to be doing. The public’s expectations, as well as the pressure, helps me focus and concentrate so I can race at my highest level.” 

43. The writer suggests in paragraph 1 that, before the start of the race, Nelson

A. ignores the models and the screaming fans.

B. doesn’t want a long pre-race interview.

C. is confident that he will win the race.

D. is uncomfortable in his small driving seat.

44. According to the text, karting is important for future Formula One drivers because

A. it shows if young drivers have enough talent to become professionals.

B. it helps them decide whether racing is really their life’s ambition.

C. it teaches them some of the skills they need to race professionally.

D. it gives them valuable experience of driving in a small bucket scat.

45. How did Nelson’s father react to his son’s interest in racing?

A. He worried about the dangers of such a hobby.

B. He thought Nelson’s talent must be supported.

C. He realised this hobby would be very expensive.

D. He believed Nelson was too young for racing.

46. At the beginning of his racing career, Nelson

A. couldn’t sleep well on the day of a race.

B. did a lot of preparation before a race.

C. preferred working on his kart to racing.

D. needed to increase his self-control.

47. The writer uses the phrase ‘have a crack at’ to show that Nelson

A. wasn’t sure whether he would do well at this level.

B. realised it wouldn’t be suitable for him.

C. was used to winning every Grand Prix he entered.

D. thought he was too young for an international race.

48. Nelson became interested in kart racing

A. because his father often talked about it.

B. after watching other children doing it.

C. to meet other children of his own age.

D. because of his exposure to video games.

49. What does the writer suggest about Nelson’s first race instructor?

A. He lacked confidence in his teaching ability.

B. He was not qualified to teach professionals.

C. He only coached drivers under the age of twelve.

D. He decided to look for a younger driver to coach.

50. What is Nelson referring to when he says, “It’s good for me”?

A. having a full racing schedule and demanding fans

B. feeling confident that he will win race after race

C. having expert advisors who can help him to relax

D. focusing on racing at the highest international level

Living in the country is something that people from the city often dream about. However, in reality, it has both its advantages and disadvantages.
There are certainly many advantages to living in the country. First of all, you can enjoy peace and quiet. Moreover, people tend to be friendlier and more open. A further advantage is that there is less traffic, so it is safer for young children.
However, there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. Firstly , because there are fewer people, you are likely to have fewer friends. In addition, entertainment is difficult to find, particularly in the evening. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services means that it is harder to find work. As a result , you may have to travel a long way to work, which can be extremely expensive.
In conclusion, it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some people than others.On the whole , it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children. In contrast , young, single people who have a career are better provided for in the city.

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 43 to 50.

Another critical factor that plays a part in susceptibility to colds is age. A study done by the University of Michigan School of Public Health revealed particulars that seem to hold true for the general population. Infants are the most cold-ridden group, averaging more than six colds in their first year. Boys have more colds than girls up to age three. After the age of three, girls are more susceptible than boy's , and teenege girls average three colds a year to boy’s two.

The general incidence of continues to decline into maturity. Elderly people who are in good health have as few as one or two colds annually. One exception is founds among people in the twenties, especially women, who show a rise in cold infections, because people in this age group are most likely to have young children. Adults who delay having children until thirties forties experience the same sudden increase in cold infections.

The study also found that economics play an important role. As income increases, the frequency at which are reported in the family decreases. Families with the lowest income suffer about a third more colds than families at the lower end. Lower income generally forces people to live in more cramped quarters than those typically occupied by wealthier by wealthier people, and crowding increases the opportunities for the cold virus to travel from person to person. Low income may also adversely influence diet. The degree to which poor nutrition affects susceptibility to colds is not yet clearly established, but an inadequate diet is suspected of lowering resistance

The author’s tone in this passage could best be described as _______.

A. Neutral and objective

B. Humorous

C. Tentative but interested

D. Highly critical

Giúp mình nha!

Living in the country is something that people from the city often dream about. However, in reality, it has both its advantages and disadvantages.
There are certainly many advantages to living in the country. First of all, you can enjoy peace and quiet. Moreover, people tend to be friendlier and more open. A further advantage is that there is less traffic, so it is safer for young children.
However, there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. Firstly , because there are fewer people, you are likely to have fewer friends. In addition, entertainment is difficult to find, particularly in the evening. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services means that it is harder to find work. As a result , you may have to travel a long way to work, which can be extremely expensive.
In conclusion, it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some people than others.On the whole , it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children. In contrast , young, single people who have a career are better provided for in the city.

Yêu cầu đề: Make a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of trlevision, are mixed up. Put the notes into two lists.

Living in the country is something that people from the city often dream about. However, in reality, it has both its advantages and disadvantages.
There are certainly many advantages to living in the country. First of all, you can enjoy peace and quiet. Moreover, people tend to be friendlier and more open. A further advantage is that there is less traffic, so it is safer for young children.
However, there are certain drawbacks to life outside the city. Firstly , because there are fewer people, you are likely to have fewer friends. In addition, entertainment is difficult to find, particularly in the evening. Furthermore, the fact that there are fewer shops and services means that it is harder to find work. As a result , you may have to travel a long way to work, which can be extremely expensive.
In conclusion, it can be seen that the country is more suitable for some people than others.On the whole , it is often the best place for those who are retired or who have young children. In contrast , young, single people who have a career are better provided for in the city.

Yêu cầu đề: Make a list of all the advantages and disadvantages of trlevision, are mixed up. Put the notes into two lists.

Read the following pasage and mark the letter A. B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 41 to 48.

Another critical factor that plays a part in susceptibility to colds is age. A study done by the University of Michigan School of Public Health revealed particulars that seem to hold true for the general population. Infants are the most cold-ridden group, averaging more than six colds in their first year. Boys have more colds than girls up to age three. After the age of three, girls are more susceptible than boy's , and teenege girls average three colds a year to boy’s two.

The general incidence of continues to decline into maturity. Elderly people who are in good health have as few as one or two colds annually. One exception is founds among people in the twentics, especially women, who show a rise in cold infections, because people in this age group are most likely to have young children. Adults who delay having children until thirties forties experience the same sudden increase in cold infections.

The study also found that economics play an important role. As income increases, the frequency at which are reported in the family decreases. Families with the lowest income suffer about a third more colds than families at the lower end. Lower income generally forces people to live in more cramped quarters than those typically occupied by wealthier by wealthier people, and crowding increses the opportunities for the cold virus totravel from person to person. Low income may also adversely influence diet. The degree to which poor nutrition affects susceptibility to colds is not yet clearly established, but an inadequate diet is suspected of lowering resistance generally.

(source: TOEFL reading)

The author’s tone in this passage could best be described as

A. Neutral and objective

B. Humorous

C. Tentative but interested

D. Highly critical