B. READING

I. Look at the sentences below about tourist flights over the continent of Antarctica. Read the text to decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect. If it is correct, mark A on your answer sheet. If it is not correct, mark B on your answer sheet.

ANTARCTICA SIGHTSEEING FLIGHTS WEBSITE

Next flight 31 December!

Welcome to the website. Here is all you need to know before booking a flight.

During the brief Antarctic summer, Antarctica Sightseeing Flights takes tourists in a fullsize passenger plane (Boeing 747) from Sydney, Australia, over the continent of Antarctica and back. Flight dates for next year are not definite yet, but if you make a booking now, your deposit is transferable if we need to change the day.

Questions

These are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Antarctica Sightseeing Flights

How long is the flight?

The average flight is 12 hours. About four hours into the flight, we usually see the first sea ice and icebergs. We spend four hours over Antarctica and the remaining time travelling home. On the way to and from the continent, Antarctica experts who have lived on scientific research stations there give talks on the environment and history, and answer questions. A camera next to the pilot, which is linked to the video system on board, gives you a pilot's eye view throughout, from take-off to landing.

Will I get a seat next to a window?

All passengers are given two boarding passes. At the halfway point of the flight, passengers are asked to move to the seat shown on their second boarding pass. Business and first class passengers will have a window seat for half of the flight and a next-to window seat for the other half. Economy passengers will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an end of row seat for the other half of the flight. While over Antarctica, we encourage passengers to get up from their seats and move about the plane, allowing everyone to share the sightseeing opportunities. The pilot flies in long ‘figure 8s’ over various points of interest to allow these amazing sights to be seen equally well from both sides of the plane.

What happens if the weather is had?

We have 17 different approved flight plans. Our captain looks at the satellite cloud picture on the morning of the flight and selects the direction which promises the clearest views.

Will I see penguins and other wildlife?

As most Antarctic wildlife lives at sea level, over 3,000 metres below the plane, we can't see them in any detail. We do not land on Antarctica, primarily for environmental reasons. To experienee Antarctic wildlife, you would need to join a boat tour.

Can I take photographs?

Definitely! All cameras are welcome. We even provide a few fun onboard photo opportunities where you can experience what it is like to wear Antarctic cold weather clothes.

II: Look at the statements below about Madagascar

Read the texrt below to decide if each statement is correct or incorreet.

 If it is correct, write T (True). If it is not correct, write F (False). 

   Madagasear -When to go 

Madagascar has two seasons, a warm, wet season from November to April, and a cooler dry season between May and October. However, different parts of the country bave very different weather. The east coast is hotter and wetter, with up to 4000mm of rainfall per ycar. In the rainy seaton, there are strong winds, and these can cause a lot of damage. Avoid visiting castern Madagascar betwoen Tanuary and March because the weather can make Toad truvel very difficult. The dry season is cooler and more pleasant. The high, central part of the country is much drier and cooler. About 1,400 mm of rain falls in the rainy season, with some thunderstoms, but the summer is usually sunny and dry, but it can be cold, especially in the mornings, with freezing showers, and it may snow in mountain areas above 2,400m, and even stay there for several days. The west coast is the driest part of the island. Here, the winter months are pleasant with little rain, cooler temperatures and blue skies. The summers can be extremely hot, especially in the southwest. This part of the country is semi-desert, and only gets around 300mm of rain per year.

35. There are four seasons in Madagascar.

 36. The wet season is colder than the dry season. 

37. Snow sometimes falls in high areas.

38. January-March is a good time to visit eastern Madagascar. 

39. The west coast has the best weather in Dccember.

C. Decide whether each of the sentences below is correct or incorrect. If it is correct, write “correct”; if it is incorrect, point out the mistake(s) and provide (a) correction(s).

11. The nearer you live to a major transportation facility, more costly your home will be. ______________

12. Although the building had been remodeled, the windows were the same style to the previous ones. ______________

13. Martha is the more talented designer that I have ever encountered. ______________

14. Buying commodities in bulk is more economically than making several trips to get the same item. ______________

15. The turnout for the grand opening was even greater when anticipated. ___________

16. Please bring as much samples as you can to the interview. _____________

17. The number of people interested in world affairs is much high than it was three years ago. _____________

C. Decide whether each of the sentences below is correct or incorrect. If it is correct, write “correct”; if it is incorrect, point out the mistake(s) and provide (a) correction(s). 11. The nearer you live to a major transportation facility, more costly your home will be. ______________ 12. Although the building had been remodeled, the windows were the same style to the previous ones. ______________ 13. Martha is the more talented designer that I have ever encountered. ______________ 14. Buying commodities in bulk is more economically than making several trips to get the same item. ______________ 15. The turnout for the grand opening was even greater when anticipated. ___________ 16. Please bring as much samples as you can to the interview. _____________ 17. The number of people interested in world affairs is much high than it was three years ago. _____________

I. Look at the sentences below about Ben Nevis, a mountain in Scotland.

If it is correct, mark A on your answer sheet. If it is not correct, mark B on your answer sheet.

CLIMBING TO THE TOP OF BRITAIN

Each year thousands of people climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, and because of its northerly location, the climate can be bitterly cold. Climber Keith Hewitt describes his first time on Ben Nevis.

“It was February, my first big winter climb. Our route was up the north face of the mountain to Tower Ridge. It’s six hundred metres up - probably the longest climb in Britain. We planned to camp for three days in the ‘Corries’, which are like big bowls cut into the walls of the mountain half-way up.

We were carrying tents, sleeping bags, and metal spikes for our boots - you’d have trouble on Ben Nevis without them because you get snow so hard it’s like walking on ice. Even though some of the group were very experienced, we packed all kinds of safety equipment, including lights for attracting attention, hard hats and extra clothing. Although the weather forecast was perfect, with no strong winds, there was still a general feeling of nervousness when we set out. Ben Nevis in winter is always a challenge.

The track soon climbed and my legs felt heavy. Being the weakest member of the group, I had to rest more frequently. The others sometimes stopped for a break to let me catch up, but as soon as I reached them they set off again. I promised myself that in future I would always train properly before a climb.

After 200 metres, we reached the beginning of Tower Ridge, the route that would take us to the top of Ben Nevis. It’s only a metre and a half wide and the mountain drops away hundreds of metres on each side. We knew we had to keep calm and concentrate on every step as we moved slowly along it.

After seven hours of climbing, we reached the top. On a clear day, you can see the sea and right across it to the island of Skye, 48 kilometres away. However, we weren’t so lucky, as a mist had come down.

On Ben Nevis, getting back down to camp can be as much of a challenge as going up. You need to be able to read a map properly - a wrong turn could lead to slopes too dangerous to go down in winter. I was glad we had decided to take it in turns to do that job. That first time, it was only when I was safe in the tent that I could say l really enjoyed the experience. But at least I made it to the top.”

IV. Decide whether the underlined parts in the following sentences correct or incorrect, if it is correct, put a tick v, if not, correct it 

1. Let me to know your idea.

2. My friend doesn’t get used to drive on the left.

3. She is looking forward to hear  from her family.==>hearing

4. This book is worth to read.

5. Do you feel like to go out for dinner with me?

6.  Would you rather go  out for a walk?

7. Nothing will make me  change my mind.

8. We are too busy to go  to the cinema with you.

9. We spend two hours to learn English everyday.    

10. His trousers need to cut a little shorter. 

11. He is busy to do homework.

12. I forget to meet him before. His name is Nam.

13. Please stop to make noise. I am concentrating to work.

14. Minh stops working because he is tired.

15. Nam and Nga missed to watch the TV last night.

16. The man suggested going camping. 

17. We don’t allow students riding motorbike. 

18. Remember turn off the light before going to bed.

19. Nga avoids go out  at night.

20. They recommend students to prepare the lesson before coming to class.

21. I tried to study hard to pass the exam.

22. She used to live in Ho Chi Minh city.

23.  I prefer watching television  to read books

24 I’d rather earn my living by cleaning the floor than to make money by stealing.

25. Tom wanted to help his  sister do the cleaning last Sunday.

26. The flowers need watered.

Type the correct word from the box to complete each sentence.

1. The climate in Antarctica is very __________. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent in the world.

2. I was very  __________  when I read a speech on stage. I couldn't look at the audience.

3. Jake wasn't afraid when he faced a bully. He was really  __________ .

4. Melanie loves to do  __________ sports such as mountain climbing and skydiving.

Question 6: Read the text below. Some of the lines are correct and some have a word which is incorrect. If a line is correct, put a tick (P). If the line has an incorrect word, underline  and correct it.