Exercise 1.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the
correct answer to each of the questions.
Did you know that on average we forget about 80% of the medical information a doctor might give us?
This fascinating information came to light as a result of a study carried out by Utrecht University. What is
even more interesting is that almost half of what we think we remember is wrong.
 Come to light: đưa ra ánh sáng
Why do you think this is? Well, it’s not as complicated as you may think. You see, going to the doctor fills
most people with anxiety and when we are really nervous and stressed we are more likely to focus on the
diagnosis rather than the treatment. Therefore, we know what is wrong with us but have no idea what
to do about it.
Here are some good tips to keep in mind when seeing a doctor. Always write down any important
information. What would be even better is, if your doctor agreed, to record your consultation. This way,
you can replay the advice at home, where you are more likely to absorb it. If you believe the situation is
serious or you’re really worried, seek the help of a family member. Just ask them to accompany you to
listen in. This way you can be absolutely sure about what the doctor has told you and avoid falling into
the same trap that most people do.
1. According to the passage, the information doctors give us ____.
A. is about 50% wrong B. is only 80% correct
C. is mostly forgotten D. is usually not enough
2. The word “complicated= complex: phức tạp” in the passage is opposite in meaning to ____.
A. good B. quick C. short D. simple
3. The author says that when people consult a doctor, ____.
A. they always believe that their situation is serious
B. they are interested in knowing what they should do
C. they only want to know what is wrong with them
D. they usually have a family member with them
Absorb: hấp thụ, tiếp thu, hiểu
=take in
4. The word “absorb” in the passage is closest in meaning to ____.
A. digest(tiêu hóa) B. inhale C. swallow D. take in
5. The author suggests recording the consultant in order to ____.
A. play it to your family members to get their opinions
B. refer to it later to better understand your condition
C. replay it to write down any important information
D. use it as evidence against your doctor if necessary
Exercise 2. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the
correct answer to each of the questions.
My first piece of advice to people who want to start getting fit is: don’t buy an exercise bike. Typically,
people who buy them use them for a week or so and then forget about them. They are effective if they
are used regularly but you need to be determined. Most people will find it much easier to go for a gentle
jog around the park.
As well as being easy to do, jogging is also relatively cheap compared to most other sports. You don’t
need to buy expensive clothes if you’re just going running around the park or on the beach. The main
thing is that they’re comfortable, and that they keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
There is one piece of equipment, however, that you will have to spend time and money on, and that’s
your running shoes. Remember that you are not looking for a fashion item, but for something that will
support your feet and protect you from injury. They can be expensive, but if they are good quality they
will last you a long time. It's always best to get expert advice, and the best place for that is a sports shop.
As for the actual jogging, the secret is to start gently, and not to do too much at the beginning –
especially if you haven’t had any exercise for a long time. Try a mixture of walking and running for ten
minutes about three times a week at first. Once you are happy doing that you can then start to increase
the amount you do gradually. After a few months you you should hope to be able to run at a reasonable
speed for twenty minutes three or four times a week. It's important that you feel comfortable with
whatever you do. If you do, you’ll start to enjoy it and will probably keep doing it. If it makes you feel
uncomfortable, you’ll probably stop after a short time and return to your bad habits. In any case, training
too hard is not very effective. Research has shown that somebody who exercises for twice as long or twice
as hard as another person doesn’t automatically become twice as fit.
1. Which of the following would serve as the best title for the passage?
A. Exercise bikes B. Gentle jogging C. Keeping fit D. Running shoes
2. What is true about the exercise bikes?
A. Exercise bikes do not help you get fit.
B. It is more costly than most other sports.
C. Many people prefer it to gentle jogging.
D. Most people don’t use it for very long.
3. The word "determined” in the passage probably means ____.
A. confident B. decisive C. flexible D. positive
4. According to the author, you should ____.
A. go jogging around a park or on the beach
B. go to sports shop for high quality running shoes
C. keep warm at all times when you are jogging
D. spend time and money on fashionable items
5. The word "injury" in the passage is closest in meaning to ____.
A. bleeding B. breaking C. shocking D. suffering
6. It is stated in the passage that ____.
A. you are advised to start jogging by walking for ten minutes
B. you should expect to feel much uncomfortable when jogging
C. you should jog three days a week and walk on the other days
D. you won't necessarily be a lot fitter by running twice as fast
6. The word “gently" in the passage is opposite in meaning to ____.
A. abruptly B. effectively C. rapidly D. smoothly
7. The word “that” in the passage probably refers to ____.
A. a mixture of walking and running B. about three times a week
C. actual jogging at first D. exercise for a long time
Exercise 3. Read the text, and decide whether the sentences are true (T) or false (F).
I’ve Been Here Before!
It’s a strange sensation. A new place that seems familiar or an event that you’re sure has happened
before. How many of us have had this experience? Apparently, over 70%. It’s called déjà vu and
according to the experts it’s not something new but has been happening to people for hundreds of
years.
So, what explanations are there for this strange feeling that is both confusing and uncomfortable? Some
scientists think that it is related to dreams and memory. It appears that although the majority of us
cannot recall our dreams, we actually store the memory of dreams in our long-term memory. This deep
memory can come back sometimes when we are in a similar situation and makes us think that we have
done this before.
However, as usual, not all experts agree. Those who believe in reincarnation - the idea that we have all
lived before - say that these feelings are fragments of memories from previous lives. But, whatever the
reason for déjà vu, one thing it shows is how complicated and amazing our brains are and that we are a
long way from understanding completely how the brain, and in particular, how our memories work.
1. Déjà vu is the feeling that something familiar is unfamiliar. ____T______
2. People have been experiencing déjà vu for the last hundred years. ____F______
3. Some people think that déjà vu is related to dreams we can’t remember. _____T_____
4. Some people think that this is not our first or only life. _____T_____
5. Soon we will understand how our brains work. ____F______
E4: 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.
Family types vary in different countries and among different cultures. In Western, industrialized
societies, the nuclear family ranks as the most common family type. It consists of a father, a mother and
their children. But nuclear families exist together with many other types of family units. In the single-
parent family, for example, a mother or a father heads the family alone. A blended family is formed
when a divorced or widowed parent remarries. As divorce rates have risen, the number of single-parent
and blended families has increased.
In many parts of the world, parents and children live together with other family members under the
same roof. These complex families usually contain several generations of family members, including
grandparents, parents and children. They may also include brothers or sisters and their families, uncles,
aunts and cousins. Even when relatives do not live together, they still consider themselves members of
the same extended family includes grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Question 1: The nuclear family ranks as the most common family type .
A. an many industrialized countries B. in countries with nuclear weapons
C. that consists of more than two generations D. that leads to the divorce of parents
Question 2: In the single-parent family, .
A. there are often no children
B. only one parent lives with his or her child or children
C. the number of blended children has increased
D. children live with their grandparents
Question 3: Grandparents, parents and children are mentioned as .
 A. the three typical generations of an extended family
B. three branches of a family tree
C. the closest and happiest relatives in family units
D. a complex combination
Question 4: The second paragraph is about .
A. American culture B. relatives and family members
C. the relationship between family members D. the extended family
Question 5: The word “blended” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to .
A. complex B. married C. mixed D. formed
E5: 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.
Building positive family relationships
The ordinary, everyday things that families do together can help build strong relationships with
teenagers. Regular family meals are a great chance for everyone to chat about their day, or about
interesting things that are going on or coming up. If parents encourage everyone to have a say, no one
will feel they’re being put on the spot to talk. Also, many families find that meals are more enjoyable
when the TV isn’t turned on!
We should all take turns choosing outdoor activities for our families. A relaxing holiday or weekend
away together as a family can also build togetherness.
One-on-one time with the child gives the parents the chance to stay connected and enjoy each
other’s company. It can also be a chance to share thoughts and feelings.
Parents should celebrate the child’s accomplishments, share his disappointments, and show
interest in his hobbies. Sometimes it’s just a matter of showing up to watch the child play sport or music,
or giving him a lift to extracurricular activities.
Family traditions, routines and rituals can help parents and their children set aside regular dates
and special times. For example, we might have a movie night together, a favourite meal or cooking
session on a particular night, a family games afternoon or an evening walk together.
Agreed household responsibilities give kids of all ages the sense that they’re making an important
contribution to family life. These could be things like chores, shopping or helping older or younger
members of the family.
Question 1: Regular family meals are a great chance for everyone .
A. to have an opportunity share their daily activities
B. to talk about TV programmes during the meal
C. to have the spot to talk about
D. to talk about interesting things that are coming soon
Question 2: The following things are true about outdoor activities for our families EXCEPT
A. all family members try to find out suitable activities
B. they should be held on holidays or at weekends
C. they offer a chance to share secret thoughts and feelings
D. they offer the pleasant feeling of being united
Question 3: Parents can show their attention to their child by all these things EXCEPT .
A. watching the child play sport or music
B. giving him a lift to extracurricular activities
C. having a movie night together
D. setting aside regular dates to do housework
Question 4: Children who share household chores with their parents will .
A. enjoy each other’s company
B. make the family life better
C. be given a chance to do extracurricular activities
D. have a family games afternoon or an evening walk together
Question 5: The main idea of the passage is .
A. to give advice on staying connected and enjoying each other’s company
B. how to share household chores between family members
C. to offer pieces of advice to improve family relationships
D. the important role of family traditions, routines and rituals
Exercise 6. Reading the text, and choose the best answers.
Children can learn a lot from doing household chores. Doing chores helps children learn about what
they need to do to care for themselves, a home and a family. They learn skills they can use in their adult
lives, like preparing meals, cleaning, organizing and keeping a garden. Being involved in chores also gives
children experience of relationship skills like communicating clearly, negotiating, cooperating and working
as a team.
When children contribute to family life, it helps them feel competent and responsible. Even if they
don’t enjoy the chore, when they keep going they get the feeling of satisfaction that comes with finishing
a task.
Sharing housework can also help families work better and reduce family stress. When children help
out, chores get done more quickly, and parents have less to do. This frees up time for the family to do fun
things together.
In order to get children involved in chores, it is best to start by choosing chores that works
for children’s ages and abilities. Chores that are too hard can be frustrating, and chores that are too easy
might be boring. If children are old enough, we can have a family discussion about chores. This can
reinforce the idea that the whole family contributes to how the household runs.
1. Doing chores can have children have some benefits EXCEPT _______.
A. learning life skills B. looking after the family
C. getting a job D. learning relationship skills
2. By sharing housework with other family members, children also can_______.
A. join a team B. become a co-operator
C. develop language skills D. express themselves better
3. When children don’t like a task, they also have the feeling of _______ in finishing it.
A. pleasure B. achievement C. desire D. acceptance
4. Which statement that the author of the text supports most?
 A. Children should do as much as they can to help their parents out.
B. Children should be old enough to share the chores.
C. The chores that children do should be based on their qualities.
D. The chores that children do should be hard to develop life skills.
5. The phrase ‘works for’ in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to _______.
A. does B. suits C. succeeds in D. involves
Exercise 7. Read the passage, and choose the correct answer A, B, C or D for each question.
Family types vary in different countries and among different cultures. In Western, industrialized
societies, the nuclear family ranks as the most common family type. It consists of a father, a mother and
their children. But nuclear families exist together with many other types of family units. In the single-
parent family, for example, a mother or a father heads the family alone. A blended family is formed
when a divorced or widowed parent remarries. As divorce rates have risen, the number of single-parent
and blended families has increased.
In many parts of the world, parents and children live together with other family members under the
same roof. These complex families usually contain several generations of family members, including
grandparents, parents and children. They may also include brothers or sisters and their families, uncles,
aunts and cousins. Even when relatives do not live together, they still consider themselves members of
the same extended family includes grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
1. The nuclear family ranks as the most common family type _______.
A. in many industrialized countries B. in countries with nuclear weapons
C. that consists of more than two generations D. that leads to the divorce of parents
2. In the single-parent family, _______.
A. there are often no children
B. only one parent lives with his or her child or children
C. the number of blended children has increased
D. children live with their grandparents
3. Grandparents, parents and children are mentioned as _______.
A. the three typical generations of an extended family
B. three branches of a family tree
C. the closest and happiest relatives in family units
D. a complex combination
4. The second paragraph is about _______.
A. American culture B. relatives and family members
C. the relationship between family members D. the extended family
5. The word “blended” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to _______.
A. complex B. married C. mixed D. formed
Exercise 8. Read the passage and choose the best answer A, B, C or D to each question.
Comparing society 40 years back to activities and happenings of today, I appreciate that family
values have changed over time. In our world today, a lot of vices are holding sway and these vices are
quickly displacing virtues because we have compromised family values.
 Today children are growing up in a society that is technologically driven and are learning at a much
faster pace than in the 70s. The fast pace of learning has kept parents lagging in getting a hold of their
kid’s moral values and helping them understand what family values used to be.
Family values have changed over time from my perspective, seeing all that is happening in our world
today. To better appraise this conclusion let us understand the definition of family values. Family values
are traditional values that are passed on from generation to generation within the family that address the
family roles, family structure, function, attitude, and ideas. These traditional values are like
unwritten codes that guide the actions of individuals. They help people decide what is right or wrong.
The family is a powerful institution with tremendous influence on society, and when these family
values become promoted by parents within the family, society will feel the effect.
1. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. Family Values have changed over time. B. Traditional values have lost.
C. Family values in modern society become better. D. What are traditional family values?
2. In the first paragraph, why does the author mention that a lot of vices are holding sway?
A. Because family values have changed over time.
B. Because we have compromised family values.
C. Because virtues are being displaced.
D. Because so many things have changed for 40 years.
3. The second paragraph is mainly about _______.
A. the importance of technology B. the fast pace of modern life
C. the fast pace of life in the 70s D. the impact of the fast pace of learning
4. The word “driven” in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to_______.
A. transported B. turned C. oriented D. controlled
5. The word “codes” in the third paragraph can be best replaced with_______.
A. laws B. manners C. etiquettes D. habits
6. Which of the following statements is true according to the third and the fourth paragraphs?
A. Family values are any values that are passed on from generation to generation.
B. Family values can be passed outside the family as long as they address the family roles, family
structure, function, attitude, and ideas.
C. Traditional family values guide the actions of individuals which help them decide what is right or
wrong.
D. The society won’t be affected if family values become promoted by parents within the family.
Exercise 9. Read the passage and choose the best option A, B, C or D.
Have you ever wondered, “What is social change?” You’ve probably heard of the term thrown around
before, or maybe you even (1) _______ about it briefly in school. Social change may have several
definitions and it is very complex. (2) , as humans living in this world, understanding social change
and how it has played a role in our lives (3) _______, will allow us to spur social change now and in the
future.
Social change can be defined as the way in which human interactions, relationships, behaviour
patterns, and cultural (4) _______ change over time. These changes ultimately transform cultural and
social institutions, concepts, and rules, which will inevitably impact society for the long-haul. These
changes and (5) _______ are not necessarily good or bad, but they are profound. On the surface, we may
not notice social change; it can take years - (6) _______ centuries - of action to cause one change.
As students and members of a rapidly changing society, it’s important to (7) _______ on social
changes of the past and how they’ve influenced US now. For instance, at one point, women were not able
to study at university. Today, both men and women, of all races, religions, nationalities, and creeds, can
study - even online and tuition-free. This is why social change is (8) _______. Without social change, we
cannot progress as a society.
1. A. made B. worked C. taught D. learned
2. A. Instead B. Because C. Yet(tuy nhiên)=however D. Although
3. A. historically B. historical C. historian D. history
4. A. standards B. levels C. norms ( định kiến xã hội) D. scales
5. A. transformations (sự thay đổi) B. transportations C. transactions (sự thực hiện, giải
quyết) D. transition ( sự chuyển tiếp)
6. A. like B. even C. so D. rather
7. A. look forward + to B. look after C. look up D. look back
8. A. weak B. important C. inessential D. worthless
Exercise 10. Read the passage and write True or False next to the sentences.
The majority of jobs today are reserved for men but that should not mean that women cannot make
their career. Men are nowadays entering the jobs which are considered for women like nursing and
women, therefore, have been allowed to enter into job vacancies that are left by men. Many television
shows have portrayed successful women’s career stories.
Various changes have been seen and impacted the role of women in society. Now, women have
gained a lot of ground in politics, the workforce, social welfare, etc. They are even more powerful within
their households. From a time when women were not able to voice their opinions to the modern time
when women started ruining presidential campaigns, the lifestyle of a woman has undergone a drastic
transformation. The modern society and workforce are filled with powerful women who play their
leadership roles in offices in a very impactful and efficient manner.
Women are in powerful positions in various large-scale companies. Working outside doesn’t mean
women do not do household chores. Women do two full- time jobs - the one at the workplace and the one
at home. Women nowadays are becoming keepers of the home, planners of family events, errand
runners, and bill payers. According to studies, when the economical and political organization of a society
changes, women come to the forefront and help the family to adjust to new challenges. Women are likely
to be the prime initiator of outside assistance, and they play an important role in facilitating changes in
family life.
1. The majority of jobs today are reserved for men, so women cannot make their career. ______
2. Nowadays, men are entering the jobs which are considered for women. ______
3. Women have dominated the ground in politics, the workforce, social welfare, etc. ______
4. Women were not able to voice their opinions because they sometimes ruin presidential campaigns.
______
5. Women hold leadership roles in the modern society and workforce. ______
6. Women not only work in various large-scale companies, but also do household chores. ______
7. Women do full-time jobs at home and part-time jobs at the workplace. ______
8. Women still play an important role in facilitating changes in family life. ______
Exercise 11. Read the lecture to parents, and mark the sentences T (true), F (false), or NG
(not given).
Some people point out that today's children have more homework and have less time to do chores
around the house. If they're teenagers, they also don't have much energy because their bodies and brains
are developing very quickly, and that can be tiring for them.
Children also say, 'It's not my house, why should I clean it?' Actually, they use it, and if they don't
learn how to do basic chores like cooking and cleaning, how can they look after themselves when they
leave home? Helping with chores is training in basic survival skills. It's also a good way to remind children
that they are a part of something bigger than themselves the family. And, by giving them some
responsibilities, you're also telling them that you trust them, and that increases their confidence.
But it's often tricky to get children to do chores. There is no 'I' in the words 'work' or 'chores', and
most kids only like to do things that help them or give them something back immediately. The best way to
deal with this is to make some family rules and the family chore chart, and also point out some of the
long-term benefits: studies show that children and teenagers who help around the house are happier and
have better family values. When they take out the rubbish, lay the table or clean the floor, they are
actually learning how to become more helpful members of society.
The most important thing is to help children start good habits early, and also help them become
good and responsible citizens in the future.
1. Children today don't have as much homework as children in the past. ______
2. Teenagers have more energy than young children. ______
3. It's important for children to learn how to cook and clean. ______
4. Chores remind children of their responsibility to other people. ______
5. Children who do chores feel more confident. ______
6. Most children like doing things that have long-term benefits. ______
7. Parents are usually very lazy. ______
8. Children who do chores become better members of society. ______
Exercise 12: Choose the word or phrase among A, B, C or D that best fits the blank space in
the following passage.
Working Mothers
In the United States today, more than half of mothers with young children work, compared to about
one third (1) _______ 1970s. Women have been moving into the workforce not only for career (2) _______
but also for the income.
In many families today, mothers continue to work because they have careers that they have spent
years (3) _______. Some women (4) _______ to work soon after (5) _______ birth because they know that
most employers are not sympathetic to working mothers who wish to take time off to be with their young
children.
Some people still think that a "good mother" is one who (6) _______ work to stay home with her
children. However, no scientific evidence says children are harmed when their mothers work. A child who
is emotionally well adjusted, well loved, and well cared for will thrive regardless of (7) _______ the mother
works outside the home.
In most families with working mothers, each person (8) _______ a more active role in the household.
The children tend to (9) _______ one another and help in other ways. The father as a (10) _______ is more
likely to help with household chores and child rearing. These positive outcomes are most likely when the
working mother feels valued and supported by family, friends, and coworkers.
1. A. in B. in the C at D. at the
2. A. enjoy B. satisfy C. satisfaction D. pleasant
3. A. develop B. to develop C. developing D. developed
4. A. return B. tum C. happen again D. exchange
5. A. producing B. making C. taking D. giving (give birth: sinh em bé)
6. A. gives up B. stop C. end D. puts up with: chịu đựng
7. A. where B. when C. how D. whether
8. A. plays B. does C. makes D. takes (play a role: đóng vai trò)
9. A. look at B. look after C. look for (trông chờ) D. look up
10. A. bread B. breadwinning C. breadstick D. breadwinner
Exercise 13: Read the passage, and choose the correct answer A, B, C or D for each question.
Home Life in Japan
It is common in Japan for three generations to live under the same roof. This is becoming less
common today, but still exists, certainly in the countryside.
Husbands in Japan give their salaries to their wives. They are returned a sum of money as pocket
money, otherwise how to use the rest is the wife's decision. The finances of a family are the responsibility
of the women who handle most of the household expenses. There are exceptions in instances when
something of value, like a car, is being bought. This is changing with more women going to work.
Japanese fathers in contemporary urban households spend so much time at work, and the company
demands on them are so great. it means that they often really have very little time or energy to spend
with their children. The responsibility for raising children, overseeing the education fall onto the mothers.
Mothers play an enormous role in the lives of their children and the bond is very strong. Babysitters are
rarely used, and mothers often sleep with their babies. A mother will also spend hours with children doing
schoolwork. Few Japanese men help with housework. There is more pressure today for this to change.
Most families in Japan today are nuclear families, such as those in the United States. That is to say
that a married couple lives together with their children, perhaps with one grandparent. But for the most
part, the Japanese family today looks much like the American family.
1. In Japan, extended families are still popular ________.
A. in big cities B. in the countryside C. everywhere D. in urban areas
2. A Japanese woman is responsible for all of these EXCEPT ________.
A. raising children B. handle household expenses
C. making decisions on very valuable things D. taking care of children's schoolwork
3. Japanese fathers in contemporary urban households ________.
A. are under great pressure of work B. are responsible for most household chores
C. handle most of the household expenses D. stay at home to work as babysitters
4. Nowadays there is a pressure that men should ________.
A. earn more money B. help their wives with housework
C. leave important decisions to their wives D. work harder at work
5. Most families in Japan nowadays may be ________.
A. extended families B. three-generation families
C. the same as the traditional ones D. similar to those in the Western
E14: 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.
The green building movement, started in the 1970s as a way to reduce environmental destruction,
is changing the way buildings are constructed. In the early years, green builders were a small minority,
and their goals of reducing the environmental impact of buildings were considered unrealistic. Now,
however, the movement is growing, as builders have been able to take advantage of new technology.
Green builders try to make use of recycled materials, which means less waste in dumps. Also, they
reduce environmental impact by reducing the energy requirements of a building. One way is to provide an
alternative, non-polluting source of energy. First, with solar panels, it is possible to produce electricity
from the rays of the sun. Once installed, they provide energy at no they cost and with no pollution.
Another solution is to reduce the amount of energy required in a building. It is possible to cut
electricity use noticeably by improving natural lighting and installing low-energy light bulbs. To reduce the
amount of fuel needed for heating or cooling, builders also add insulation to the walls so that the
building stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
One example of this advanced design is the Genzyme Center of Cambridge, the most
environmentally responsible office building in America. Every aspect of the design and building had to
consider two things: the need for a safe and pleasant workplace for employees and the need to lessen the
negative environmental impact. 75 percent of the building materials were recycled materials, and the
energy use has been reduced by 43 percent and water use by 32 percent, compared with other buildings
of the same size.
In other parts of the world, several large-scale projects have recently been developed according to
green building principles. One of these is in Vauban, Germany, in an area that was once the site of army
housing. The site has been completely rebuilt with houses requiring 30 percent less energy than
conventional ones. These houses, heated by special non-polluting systems, are also equipped with solar
panels.
A larger project is under way in China. The first phase of this project will include houses for 400
families built with solar power, non-polluting bricks, and recycled wall insulation. In a second phase, entire
neighborhoods in six cities will be built. If all goes well, the Chinese government plans to copy these ideas
in new neighborhoods across China.
Green building ideas, on a small or large scale, are spreading. Individuals, companies, and
governments are beginning to see their benefits. Not only are they environmentally friendly, green
buildings improve living and working conditions and also save money in the long run.
(Adapted from "Advanced Reading Power" by Beatrice S. Mikulecky and Linda Jeffries)
Question 1: What is one common characteristic shared by the Genzyme Center of Cambridge and the
project in Vauban, Germany?
A. Both took advantage of new insulation technology, which cuts down on construction costs
B. Both were built based on green building principles, which reduces energy use considerably
C. Both are housing complexes with special, non-polluting heating systems
D. Both were built out of entirely recycled materials instead of conventional ones
Question 2: The word "insulation" in paragraph 3 mostly means ________ .
A. materials that prevent heat loss and absorption
B. systems that protect buildings from the sun's rays
C. devices that monitor changes in temperature
D. panels that convert solar energy into electricity
Question 3: According to paragraph 1, the environmental goals set by green builders were initially
considered unrealistic presumably because ________ .
A. the problems of environment destruction were not prevalent at the time
B. there was a lack of green builders at the beginning of the 20th century
C. there was an abundance of natural materials for the construction of conventional buildings
D. the potential applications of technology to constructing green buildings were not recognised
then
Question 4: According to the passage, which of the following statements about green buildings is TRUE?
A. They are gaining in popularity in different parts of the world
B. They are more economical and produce no pollution
C. They have only been built in technologically developed countries
D. They are environmentally responsible constructions with gardens
Question 5: The phrase "under way" in paragraph 6 mostly means ________ .
A. being certified B. being inspected C. being launched D. being notified
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 7 as a merit of green buildings?
A. Improving living conditions B. Proving more economical eventually
C. Being friendly to the environment D. Increasing work productivity
Question 7: Which of the following does the passage mainly discuss?
A. Economic benefits of environmentally responsible buildings
B. New technologies applied to constructing office buildings
C. Successful green building projects all over the world
D. An environmentally friendly approach to constructing buildings
Question 8: The word "they” in paragraph 2 refers to ________ .
A. solar panels B. rays of the sun C. green builders D. recycled materials