Read the text and answer the following questions by choosing the best option A, B, C, or D.

                                       How Do You Celebrate?

New Year’s Day

       New Year is one of the most popular festivals in the world, even though it is celebrated at different times and in different ways. In many western countries, people get together with family and friends on December 31st to eat, drink, and dance as they wait for January 1st. Some of the biggest parties are held on New Year’s Eve. In many countries, crowds gather in the centre of town to welcome the new year at midnight with fireworks.

      For many Asian countries like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, the New Year is based on lunar calendar. The date changes year to year, but usually falls between January 21st to February 21st. It is traditionally seen as a time for family reunions, with people travelling across the country and from overseas. Many people wear red clothes, as it is thought to be a lucky colour. They also give “lucky money” in red envelopes to friends and family, and set off firecrackers to scare away bad luck.

      What's common among these celebrations is the meaning of the new year; it is a time to say goodbye to the past and to think about new beginnings. For example, in Japan, people organize bonenkai parties ("year forgetting parties"), which are dedicated to leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind. In many countries, people make New Year's resolutions - promises to themselves to make changes in their lives over the coming year, such as to lose weight, stop smoking, or learn a new skill.

Carnival

In late February or early March, some countries celebrate a special festival called Carnival. Carnival is thought to have originated in Italy or Greece, and was held just before Lent, the 40-day period before Easter. People dressed in costumes, wore colourful masks, ate, drank, and danced all night. This tradition spread to France, Spain, Portugal, and later to Brazil and the United States.

       Now, two of the biggest Carnival celebrations take place in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and New Orleans in the United States. There are grand parades where people wear flashy costumes and dance and sing in the streets. In New Orleans, Carnival is known as Mardi Gras. Many roads and shops are shut down for the celebrations which can last for up to three weeks. Millions of visitors travel from around the world to join the party, and many more watch the event on television.

1. Which is NOT true about New Year’s Day all over the world?

A. It is celebrated in the same ways at the same time country to country

B. It is one of the most popular festivals worldwide

C. New Year’s Day celebration is based on both lunar and solar calendar

D. It’s an occasion for people to gather with their beloved ones

2. Where do Western people gather to welcome the new year with fireworks?

A. In the city centre                     B. At the church                                     

C. At home                                  D. Along the river banks

3. The phrase "bad luck" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _____.

A. big hit       B. misfortune          C. godsend             D. triumph

4. Why do a majority of Asian people wear red in the New Year’s day?

A. Because it is matched with other decorations like firecrackers

B. Because it is thought to scare away bad luck

C. Because it is believed to be a lucky colour

D. Because it makes people look more cheerful in the new year

5. What is the common meaning of the new year celebrations?

A. The New Year’s celebration is the time to say goodbye to friends and family

B. The New Year’s celebration is the time for people all over the world have bonenkai parties

C. The New Year’s celebration is the time to welcome new beginnings and let the past behind

D. The New Year’s celebration is the chance for people to lose weight, stop smoking and learn a new skill

6. What is 'Lent'?

A. a period of 40 days before Christmas

B. a period of 20 days after Christmas

C. a period of 40 days before Easter

D. a period of 20 days after Easter

7. What did people NOT do in Carnival?

A. danced all night                                               B. wore colourful masks

C. dressed in frightening costumes                     D. ate and drank

8. Where are the biggest Carnivals held nowadays?

A. Spain and the US                   B. Brazil and the US

C. France and Brazil                   D. Portugal and Spain

Read the text below and choose the correct word or phrase (A, B, C or D) for each space. Write your answer on the answer sheet. (2.5 points)

PLANET EARTH

Planet earth is part of a system of planets and their moons, as well as numerous asteroids and comets which (1) _____ around a huge star, the Sun. The Sun itself (2) _____ of gas. Nuclear reactions inside its core (3) _____ the heat and light that make life on the Earth (4) _____ . The Earth is the third of four small terrestrial (Earth like) planets (5) _____ orbit close to the Sun. Further out in our Solar System are four huge gas planets, while distant Pluto, (6) _____ planet, is made (7) _____ rock and ice. Our Earth is one of the ten planets that orbit the Sun - a huge, burning-hot star in the center of our Solar System. The Solar System and all the stars in the (8) _____ are part of our galaxy - the Milky Way, which (9) _____ as many as 200 billions stars. Beyond our galaxy (10) _____ millions more galaxies. They all add together to make up the Universe.

1. (A) run (B) orbit (C) turn (D) walk

2. (A) consists (B) remains (C) includes (D) maintains

3. (A) produce (B) product (C) production (D) productive

4. (A) able (B) possibility (C) possible (D) ability

5. (A) who (B) where (C) what (D) which

6. (A) the smaller (B) smallest (C) the most smallest (D) the smallest

7. (A) from (B) of (C) for (D) in

8. (A) space (B) sea (C) moon (D) sky

9. (A) consists (B) makes from (C) stays (D) contains

10. (A) is (B) are (C) to be (D) get

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.

As viewed from space, Earth’s distinguishing characteristics are its blue waters and white clouds. Enveloped by an ocean of air consisting of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, the planet is the only one in our solar system known to harbor life. Circling the Sun at an average distance of 149 million kilometers (93 million miles), Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system.

Our planet’s rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to an extensive magnetic field which, coupled the atmosphere, shields us from nearly all of the harmful radiation coming from the Sun and other stars. Earth’s atmosphere protects us from meteors as well, most of which burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere before they can strike the surface. The planet active geological processes have left no evidence of the ancient pelting it almost certainly received soon after it formed about 4.6 billion years ago. The Earth has a single natural satellite – the moon.

Question. The word distinguishing as it is used in this selection means ________.

A. elevating in nature

B. characteristics like all other planets

C. devastating in nature

D. characteristics that set it apart from other planets

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.

   As viewed from space, Earth’s distinguishing characteristics are its blue waters and white clouds. Enveloped by an ocean of air consisting of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, the planet is the only one in our solar system known to harbor life. Circling the Sun at an average distance of 149 million kilometers (93 million miles), Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system.

   Our planet’s rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to an extensive magnetic field which, coupled the atmosphere, shields us from nearly all of the harmful radiation coming from the Sun and other stars. Earth’s atmosphere protects us from meteors as well, most of which burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere before they can strike the surface. The planet active geological processes have left no evidence of the ancient pelting it almost certainly received soon after it formed about 4.6 billion years ago. The Earth has a single natural satellite – the moon.

Question: The word distinguishing as it is used in this selection means ________.

A. elevating in nature

B. characteristics like all other planets

C. devastating in nature

D. characteristics that set it apart from other planets

Mercury is the smallest member of the sun's family. It is only 3.100 miles across. It is also the sun's swiftest planet. Its yearly journey round the sun is only 85 days.

Mercury always keeps one side towards the sun. On this side it is always day, on the other side always night. We only see the lighted side.

Mercury appears to us like a yellowish orange star. The nearest planet to the sun, it is always seen near the sun, either just before sunrise or soon after sunset. People sometimes call mercury the morning star or evening star.

Mercury is half the size of the earth. Because it is much lighter, it has much less gravity. If you can visit Mercury in a spaceship, you will find it a strange world. Its low gravity makes you feel very light. If your weight on earth is 100 pounds, your weight on Mercury is only 27 pounds. Looking at the sun from Mercury, you can see that it's much more brilliant than it is seen from the earth. And the yellow centre of the sun appears three times bigger from Mercury.

On its lighted side, Mercury's temperature is about 300 degrees centigrate. But the dark side is extremely cold, but 150 degrees below zero so mercury is probably the coldest as well as the hottest of the planets.

21. A. Mercury is .......

A. the sun's fastest planet B. the coldest planet

C. the hottest planet D. all are correct

22. We cannot see the dark side of Mercury because .......

A. it moves very fast.

B. it always appears just before sunrise or soon after sunset.

C. it always keeps one side towards the sun.

D. it is too far for us to see.

23. When can we see Mercury? - We can see it ......

A. just before the sunset

B. just before sunrise

C. after the sunset

D. both A and C are correct

24. Why do we weigh much on the earth than on Mercury? - Because .......

A. Mercury is nearer to the sun. B. Mercury has got less gravity than the earth.

C. Mercury is much hotter. D. none are correct.

25. Why does the sun look bigger when it is seen from Mercury?

- Because .......

A. Mercury is the smallest planet of the sun.

B. Mercury is nearer to the sun.

C. Mercury is a light planet.

D. It only takes Mercury 88 days to move round the sun.

Chọn đáp án và giải thích chi tiết

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.

As viewed from space, Earth’s distinguishing characteristics are its blue waters and white clouds. Enveloped by an ocean of air consisting of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, the planet is the only one in our solar system known to harbor life. Circling the Sun at an average distance of 149 million kilometers (93 million miles), Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system.

Our planet’s rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to an extensive magnetic field which, coupled the atmosphere, shields us from nearly all of the harmful radiation coming from the Sun and other stars. Earth’s atmosphere protects us from meteors as well, most of which burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere before they can strike the surface. The planet active geological processes have left no evidence of the ancient pelting it almost certainly received soon after it formed about 4.6 billion years ago. The Earth has a single natural satellite – the moon.

Question. Which of the following helps to create the Earth’s magnetic fields?

A. Its blue waters

B. Its nitrogen atmosphere

C. Its molten metal core

D. The moon

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.

   As viewed from space, Earth’s distinguishing characteristics are its blue waters and white clouds. Enveloped by an ocean of air consisting of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, the planet is the only one in our solar system known to harbor life. Circling the Sun at an average distance of 149 million kilometers (93 million miles), Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system.

   Our planet’s rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to an extensive magnetic field which, coupled the atmosphere, shields us from nearly all of the harmful radiation coming from the Sun and other stars. Earth’s atmosphere protects us from meteors as well, most of which burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere before they can strike the surface. The planet active geological processes have left no evidence of the ancient pelting it almost certainly received soon after it formed about 4.6 billion years ago. The Earth has a single natural satellite – the moon.

Question: Which of the following helps to create the Earth’s magnetic fields?

A. Its blue waters

B. Its nitrogen atmosphere

C. Its molten metal core

D. The moon

II. Read the following text and answer the questions by choosing the option A, B, C or D.

BENEFITS OF VIDEO CONFERENCING

Video conferencing is the technology that allows you to hold meetings with people who are in different places while seeing them and talking to them in real time. It is different from simple video calling, which is often one-to-one video communication. In the past, video conferencing needed complex and expensive equipment. Today, it's easy to join in a video conference on your computer or smart phone with Internet connectivity. Moreover, video conferencing is also an important tool for people who work away from the office, often at home because it helps to save time and money for them.

Video conferencing can help teachers in teaching, too. Video conferencing is a great way of learning and sharing knowledge beyond distance. Courses can take place with the teacher and each different student living in a different location. This will help education spread even to remote mountainous areas.

1. Video conferencing helps people _____________.

A. send message B. send snail mail

C. send snail mail D. hold meetings

2. How does video conferencing help people?

A. It helps connect people in different places in real time.

B. It helps connect people in different places in future time.

C. It helps connect people in same places in real time.

D. It helps connect people in same places in future time.

3. What can people do with video conferencing?

A. People can see and touch each other.

B. People can see and use telepathy.

C. People can see and talk to each other.

D. People can talk and touch each other.

4. Which statement below is NOT TRUE?

A. Video calling is often one-to-one communication

B. Video conferencing can happen between many people.

C. In the past, video conferencing needed simple equipment.

D. Today, video conferencing only needs smartphone with Internet connectivity.

5. How can video conferencing help people who work away from the office?

A. It saves time. B. It saves money.

C. It saves time and money. D. None of them.

6. Who will get benefits from video conferencing?

A. farmer B. teacher

C. engineer D. housewife

7. What is the advantage of studying through video conferencing?

A. Teacher can start class late.

B. Teacher doesn't know his/her students.

C. Teacher and students can be in same places.

D. Teacher and students can be in different places.

8. What does the word "mountainous" mean?

A. a place has rivers B. a poor place

C. a place has mountains D. a far place

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.

As viewed from space, Earth’s distinguishing characteristics are its blue waters and white clouds. Enveloped by an ocean of air consisting of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, the planet is the only one in our solar system known to harbor life. Circling the Sun at an average distance of 149 million kilometers (93 million miles), Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system.

Our planet’s rapid spin and molten nickel-iron core give rise to an extensive magnetic field which, coupled the atmosphere, shields us from nearly all of the harmful radiation coming from the Sun and other stars. Earth’s atmosphere protects us from meteors as well, most of which burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere before they can strike the surface. The planet active geological processes have left no evidence of the ancient pelting it almost certainly received soon after it formed about 4.6 billion years ago. The Earth has a single natural satellite – the moon.

Question. Approximately how much of the Earth’s atmosphere is nitrogen?

A. One-fourth

B. One-half

C. Three-fourths

D. All of it