II.

WORD FORMS (20 PTS)

1. Supply the correct word form (10PTS)
1. Why are you so sensitive (adj): nhạy cảm to other people’s problems? (SENSE)
2. The underlying(n): nguyên lý căn bản assumption is that the amount of money available is limited. (LIE)
3. All the students who misbehaved have been kept in detention(n): sự trừng phạt. (DETAIN)
4. Separating the fiber - or lint - from the seed was a laborious(adj) = hard-working process. (LABOUR)
5. The gifted (adj): thần đồng child is very knowledgeable and knows five different foreign languages at a
time. (GIFT)
6. Because they are ___________ dishes, they cost a lot of money. (HOT)
7. The train derailed(v): trệch khỏi đường ray and plunged into the river. (RAIL)
8. Dr. Butt Katter, who has just published a book about murder, learned criminology(n): tội phạm học in many
years. (CRIME)
9. He became irresolute(adj): không thể quyết định in his opposition in the plan. He gave up his viewpoint
after his boss criticized. (RESOLVE)
10. The darkness disorientated(v): làm mất phương hướng him, so he doesn’t know where the murder hid.
(ORIENT)

STRAIN VIGOR PREVENT TOLERATE SEDENT

PART ADDICT TREAD PRESS FIND
A (1) _________ medicine specialist may have found the reason for the “addictive” properties of regular
exercise. The (2) _________may also explain why athletes often fail to notice an injury until after the
competition is over. Dr. Lee S. Berk has found that the persons who exercise regularly produce high levels of a
natural opiate called beta-endorphin in response to (3) sedentary ( ít vận động )activity. This substance, a
hormone produced by the brain and the pituitary gland, increases pain (4) pressure counters stress, and (5)
_________a feeling of well-being. In his study of six men and six women who were tested on a (6) _________,
those who jogged regularly and were physically fit produced beta-endorphin more rapidly and in far greater
amounts than those who were usually (7) _________. After the activity was finished, when it was ineffective.
Dr. Berk noted that beta-endorphin production may also account for other benefits of (8) vigorous ( cường độ
cao) exercise, such as its ability to lower blood pressure and (9) prevent appetite, both of which are known
effects of the hormone. “Beta-endorphin may also explain why people become (10) addicted to exercise,” Dr.
Berk said.
III. ERROR IDENTIFICATION
Read the following passage. There are 10 errors. Identify the errors and then correct them. (10 PTS)
RELAXATION
True relaxation is most certainly not a matter of flopping on=> down in front of the television with a
welcome drink. Also=>Nor is it about drifting into an exhausted sleep. Useful though these responses to tension
and over-tiredness may=>can be, we should distinguish between them and conscious relaxation in
spite=>terms of quality and effect. Regardless of the level of tiredness, real relaxation is a state of alert yet at
the same time passive awareness, in which our bodies are in=> at rest while our minds are awake.
Moreover, it is so=>as natural for a healthy person to be relaxed when moving as resting. Having=>Being
relaxed in action means we bring the appropriate energy to everything we do, so as to have a feeling of healthy
tiredness by the end of the day, more=>rather than one of exhaustion.
Unfortunately, as a result of living in today competitive world, we are under constant strain and have
difficulty in coping, feeling=>the feeling alone nurturing our body's abilities. That needs to be rediscovered is
conscious relaxation. With this=>that in mind we must apply ourselves to understanding stress and the nature
of its causes, however =>how deep-seated.
IV. SENTENCE TRANSFORMATION:
Rewrite the sentences with the given words or beginning in such a way that their meanings remain
unchanged. (20 PTS)
1. My boss says I can use his car whenever I want to, so long as I’m careful. DISPOSAL
My bos says his car is at my disposal so long as I’m careful.
-at one’s disposal : thuộc quyền sử dụng của ai
2. The news was a shock to us. ABACK
We was taken aback when we heard the news.
3. James realised that he could never be an architect. CUT
James realised ________________________________________________an architect.
4. What he told me made me very curious to hear the rest of the story. APPETITE
What he told me whetted my appettie to hear the rest of the story.
whetted one’s appettie : kích thích ai
5. I don’t mind staying in on a Saturday night if I have good company. AVERSE
I’m___________________________________________night if I have good company.
6. What put me off the idea was simply how expensive it was going to be.
The sheer cost of the idea was what put me off
7. Trudy was quite relieved when she found out the truth.
It was something of a relief to Trudy when she found out the truth
8. The brochure gives hardly any useful information.
Precious little useful informations given in the brochure
9. If you don’t pay on time, your booking will be cancelled.
Failure to pay on time will cancel your booking
10. You’ll have to spend at least $ 500 to get that sort of camera.
You won’t get that sort of camera with less than $500
SỞ GIÁO DỤC VÀ ĐÀO TẠO KỲ THI CHỌN HSG LỚP 9 CẤP TỈNH
________________
ĐỀ THI THỬ SỐ 24
SECTION I: LISTENING (3.0 points) (You will hear twice for each part)
Part 1. Listen to the recording twice. Choose the correct answer for each of the following blanks.
1. When is the reality showing on TV? What channel is showing the program?
A. at 7:00 on channel 5 B. at 7:30 on channel 7 C. at 8:00 on channel 11
2. Why does the man not want to watch the reality show?A. He watched the same program last week.
B. He isn't interested in show's theme.C. He wants to go swimming instead.
3. How does the man feel about watching Star Wars on TV?A. He wouldn't mind seeing it again.
B. He'd like to watch it if he had more time.C. He'd prefer to watch something else.
4. Which statement best describes the man's feelings about watching the home improvement show?
A. He doesn't want to watch because his wife will expect him to fix things around the house.
B. He thinks that he will be able to get a better job by learning from the show.
C. He thinks it is easier to get someone else to repair their problems around the house.
5. What does the couple decide to watch?A. a TV dramaB. a sports event C. a talk show
Part 2. Listen to the recording. Complete the form below. Write no more than two words or numbers for
each of the following blanks.Sidney Street Community Cetre
Venue booking formExample Answer Name: Maria Lincoln
Details of party booking
Number of people (6) approximately …………………………………
Date of party: (7) …………………………………
Name of room: The (8) ………………………………… Suite
Time: (9) from ……………………to …………………… p.m
Drinks: licensed for soft drinks
Contact details:
Postcade (10) …………………………………
Address: Flat (11) ……………, 35 Beeches Street
Telephone
Landline: 22 32 79
Mobile 07897 (12) ……………………………
Booking fee
Cost of room hire: £ 115 with (13) ……………………… and ………………………
Disco system hire Optional. Fee £ 25 with no technician
Deposit: (14) £ ……………………
Insurance: £ 9 for 24 hours. Cover cancellation, (15) ……………………and ……………………
Trang 46,47
SECTION III: READING (6.0 points)
Part 1. Questions 56 – 65 (2 points - 0.2/ each)
Read the passage below and choose the best answer to each question.
Nearly 200 of the 1500 native plant species in Hawaii are at risk of going extinct in the near future because
they have been (56) _______ to such low numbers. Approximately 90 percent of Hawaii's plants are found
nowhere else in the world but they are (57) _______ by alien invasive species such as feral goats, pigs, rodents
and (58) _______ plants.
The Hawaii Rare Plant Restoration Group is striving to (59) _______ the extinction of the 182 rare Hawaiian
plants with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the (60) _______ . Since 1990, (61) _______ a result of their
"Plant Extinction Prevention Program", sixteen species have been brought into (62) _______ and three species
have been reintroduced. Invasive weeds have been removed in key areas and fencing put up in order to (63)
_______ plants in the wild.
In the future the Hawaii Rare Plant Restoration Program aims (64) _______ collecting genetic material from
the remaining plants in the wild for storage as a safety net for the future. They also aim to manage wild
populations and where possible reintroduce species into (65) _______ .
56. A. reduced B. increased C. disappeared D. developed
57. A. guarded B. invested C. threatened D. conserved
58. A. national B. native C. non-native D. international
59. A. encourage B. stimulate C. influence D. prevent
60. A. atmosphere B. hole C. sky D. wild
61. A. so B. as C. due D. but
62. A. contamination B. cultivation C. production D. generation
63. A. derive B. vary C. protect D. remain
64. A. for B. with C. on D. at
65. A. reserves B. shelters C. gardens D. halls
Part 2. Questions 66 – 75 (2.0 points - 0.2/ each)
Read the passage below and choose the best answer to each question
Sex–trait stereotypes may be defines as a set of psychological attributes that characterize men more
frequently than women. Thus, males are often described as ambitious, unemotional, and independent and, on
the other hand, like selfish, unrefined, and insensitive. Females are described as emotional, irrational, high-
strung, and tentative. In spite of the egalitarian movement, recent studies have demonstrated that sex-trait
stereotypes remain common among young adults today. In fact, such stereotyping has proved to be the
psychological justification for social beliefs concerning the appropriateness of various activities for men and
women that further perpetuate the different sex roles traditionally ascribed to men and women.
The awareness of sex – trait stereotypes in the United States developes a linear fashion between the ages
of four and ten. Generally, knowledge of male stereotypical characteristics develops earlier, whereas knowledge
of female characteristics increases more rapidly between the ages of four and seven. While the reasons for this
learning are not fully understood, evidence suggests that at the preschool level children’s literature and
television programs provide powerful models and reinforcement for stereotyped views. Studies designed to
compare sex-trait stereotypes cross–nationally show a high degree of correspondence in the characteristics
ascribed to men and women. As finding have been obtained in the other countries, two hypotheses have been
advanced to explain the commonalities in sex trait stereotyping. One states that pancultural similarities play a
role in the psychological characteristics attributed to men and women, and the second states that the general
picture is one of cultural relativism.
66. The passage is probably an excerpt from an article on _________.
A. sociology B. demographics C. psychotherapy D. sociobiology
67. Which of the following statements is supported in the passage?
A. The beliefs of young adults are more common among the old.
 B. The beliefs of young adults have shown little change.
C. Young adults have participated in many common studied.
D. The egalitarian movement has been a resounding success.
68. In line 3, the word ambitious is closest in meaning to _________.
A. anxious B. ambiguous C. enterprising D. honest
69. In line 4, the word high-strung is closest in meaning to _________.
A. nervous B. hideous C. high-class D. fair-minded
70. In line 9, the word perpetuate is closest in meaning to _________.
A. perplex B. maintain C. mount D. personalize
71. According to the passage, characterizations of men and women as having particular sets of attributed are
_________.
A. found in several coutries B. reflected in modern fashion
C. uniform across all groups D. contingent (tình cờ) on a socioeconomic class
72. It can be inferred from the second paragraph that young children learn about sex-trait stereotypes
_________.
A. by watching their parents B. when their learning is reinforced
C. by being exposed to various media D. after they start school
73. It can be inferred from paragraph that social beliefs precipitate _________.
A. nontraditional gender roles B. the rationalization for stereotyping
C. the on-going egalitarian change D. concerns for the legitimacy of sex traits
74. The author of the passage would most probably agree with which of the following statements?
A. Social attitudes are not likely to change radically
B. Social attitudes toward women have been updated and made more balanced.
C. Social attitudes toward men are continually nullified and modernized.
D. The women’s liberation movement has borne little fruit.
75. Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
A. A Cross–examination of Stereotypical Behaviors B. A Relativist Perspective on Stereotyping
C. The Pervasiveness of Sex–Trait Stereotypes D. A Unilateral Approach to Sex – Trait Stereotyping
Part 3: Questions 76 – 85 (2.0 points - 0.2/ each)
Read the text and fill in one word which best fits each gap.
Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio, On February 11th, 1847. His family (76) ………………..……… to
Port Huron, Michigan, when he was seven years old. Surprisingly, he attended school (77) ………………..……… only
two months. His mother, a former teacher, taught him a few things, but Thomas was mostly self – educated. His
natural curiosity (78) ………………..……… him to start experimenting at young age. Thomas Edison lit (79) ………………..
……… the world with his invention of the electric light. Though the electric light seems to be the (80) ………………..
……… useful, it was not his (81) ………………..……… invention. He also invented the record player, the motion picture
camera, and over 1,200 (82) ………………..……… inventions. About every two weeks, he (83) ………………..……… something
new. He worked 16 out of every 24 hours. Sometimes he worked (84) ………………..……… intensely that his wife had
to remind him to sleep and eat. Thomas Edison died at the age of 84 on October 18th, 1931, at his estate in West
Orange, New Jersey. He left numerous inventions (85) ………………..……… improved the quality of life all over the
world.
434/ DARK
1. Unexpectedly, a 16-year old girl turned out to be the ……..…… horse in the competition beating 32 other
contestants, including some famous names. (be the dark horse : người mờ nhạt, ít được biết đến những có
tài năng ẩn giấu)
2. Cross my heart! I knew nothing about this. I’ve been kept in the ………..…… about the whole plot. (keep in
the dark abt sth : bị giấu kín, ko được biết về cái gì)
3. The …………….. side of his personality sometimes whispered nasty ideas to his warped psyche. (dark side :
mặt tối)
435/ SHOT
1. The band’s new single has ……………… to number one in less than a week which is an unprecedented
achievement. (shot to number one : vươn lên hàng đầu )
2. Jessica stopped her pranks the moment the headmaster ……..…..……. a warning glance at her. (shot a
warning glance : liếc nhìn cảnh cáo)
3. Should a natural disaster strike, looters will be …………..….. on sight. There will be no mercy for those
preying on human suffering. (bắn ngay tức khắc )
436/ WEIGHT
1. For almost five years the majority suffered a lot under the …………….. of heavy taxes. (under the weight
of : chịu gánh nặng )
2. Lisa’s shed some …….……… recently and now looks slimmer and fitter. (shed some weight : giảm cân )
3. He was just a small cog in the machine and his views carried little ……..…… . (little weight : ko có sức
nặng )
437/ CREAM
1. He put some shaving …………….. on his stubble and began his daily routine in the bathroom. (kem cạo
râu)
2. The cake looked appetizing with its white layers of whipped ……………… and cherries on top. (kem béo)
3. Shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union, the ………..….. of Russia’s scientists began their exodus to the
west where the money was much better. (the cream of scientists : giới khoa học ưu tú )
438/
1. With the biggest stumbling ………………. out of the way, the process could pick up the pace anew.
2. Gary’s a chip off the old …………….... . He certainly takes after his father in many respects.
3. Having their own detached house was always their dream, but for the time being they had to make do with
living in an apartment …………..….. in a poor district.
439/ LIE
1. To be honest, we still don’t know what kinds of problems ……………… ahead, but we’re not afraid. ( lie
ahead : chờ phía trước )
2. The castle used to …………… on the hill above town before it was destroyed by the Teutonic Knights. (lie :
nằm ở vị trí )
3. It’s not a crime to tell a white ……………... now and again, especially if you don’t want to hurt anybody’s
feelings. (a white lie : lời nói dối vô hại)
440/
1. There are some worrying conclusions to be ……….……….. from our last sales results. Improvements have
to be made to avert the disaster.
2. Over the years, the musical has been a great success and has ……….………. huge crowds.
3. Sir, it’s so dark in here because I’ve ………..……… the curtains just as you ordered me.
441/NOSE
1. She was a cute blonde with large blue eyes and a snub ……………. much like female manga characters.
(snub nose : mũi hếch )
2. You know what. I don’t like the way you poke your …………….. into other people’s affairs. (poke your
nose : chõ mũi vào chuyện người khác )
3. Karen can’t understand why her boss looks down his …………….. at the staff even when they record good
results. (look down his nose : coi thường )
442/ FLYING
1. The official was forced to pay only a ………………. visit to the region as she had to leave for the capital the
next day. (chuyến đi bằng máy bay )
2. Early in the morning, an extremely powerful blast sent hundreds of shreds of glass ……..……….…. in all
directions. The guerrilla war began. (bay)
3. Our boss is in the habit of ……..………... into a rage each time we mention a pay rise. (flying into a range :
nổi cơn thịnh nộ )
443/ LET
1. Regrettably, we were ………………. down by the travel representative who didn’t pick us up from the
airport. (let down : thất vọng )
2. To eke out a living, the widow had to ……...……….. her late husband’s room to a student. ( nhường )
3. Elizabeth doesn’t know how to fill in a simple form, ……………… alone run a business. ( let alone : đừng
nói đến việc )
444/ PICKED
1. The survivors were on the brink of despair when suddenly the radio receiver ……………….... up the signal.
(bắt được tín hiệu)
2. The staff took advantage of the curator’s visit and ……………..… his brains about the new conservation
policy. (picked one’s brain about : hỏi ý kiến )
3. From Jane’s point of view, the meeting was a disaster as the members ..………………. holes in her theory.
(chỉ ra lỗ hổng )
445/ KEY
1. Barbara quickly emerged as a …………..…..… player in the game, a name to be reckoned with. (người chơi
chủ đạo )
2. In order to get access to the information stored on your computer you have to ………………….. in a 15 digit
code. (mật mã )
3. A self-study exercise book without the ………………… at the end is more than useless.(đáp án)
446/ FELL
1. When night ………………, the town momentarily turned into a paradise for excitement seeking individuals.
(đêm đến)
2. Jason ……………… from grace as it transpired that he was involved in some monkey business.
3. As usual, Ruben ……………… out with his girlfriend over a trivial issue and now found it hard to say sorry.
447/ FRESH
1. Norah couldn’t get over him. Though it had been five years after their divorce, he was still …………… in
her mind.
2. It’s clear we aren’t going to hold out long in the middle of the ocean without some …………...….... water.
3. This ossified company urgently requires some unconventional thinking and …………..…… ideas.
448/ BRIDGE
1. School officials have been making efforts to ……………….. the gap between teachers and students, but with
not much success so far.
2. The ……………… of her glasses was broken. It snapped when her brother accidentally sat on them.
3. Carl, would you like to join us? There are just three of us and we need another person to play
………………… .
449/ FAIR
1. He’s been looking for work since he lost his job. He has called a job centre several times and has even visited
a careers ……....……. in the province capital.
2. Susan’s bright shoes and jacket matched her …..………… hair. She looked gorgeous.
3. The point is you can forget your right to a …………... trial in a country based
on corruption and nepotism.
450/ HEAVY
1. William’s a ………..…..… sleeper. You can switch on the telly and he won’t wake up.
2. Visibility is greatly reduced due to …………….….. snow and strong winds. Motorists are advised to drive
carefully.
3. The navy suffered ………….……. losses as the aircraft carriers came under a sudden attack of the enemy’s
air force.
trang 51, 53
TEST 4
PHẦN TRẮC NGHIỆM:
Câu hỏi 1: (5 điểm)
PHONETICS
A. Pronunciation
1. A. siblings B. lubricant C. tambourine D. subtle
2. A. hyperbole B. cyclone C. machete D. adobe
3. A. chicanery B. diabetes C. parenthesis D. psychiatrist
4. A. exhilarate B. pharaoh C. diarrhoea D. carbohydrate
 5. A. treachery B. retread C. meadow D. dreary
B. Word stress
6. A. ‘commentator 1 B. intimacy 1 C. exaggerate 2 D. predecessor 1
7. A. Aborigines 3 B. honorarium 3 C. rehabilitate 3 D. hieroglyphics 1
8. A. eligible 1 B. legislature 1 C. influenza 3 D. comparable 1
9. A. bikini 1 B. dividend 1 C. flamingo 2 D. thesaurus 1
10. A. authoritative 4 B. administrative 4 C. argumentative 4 D. initiative 2
Câu hỏi 2: (5 điểm)
WORD CHOICE
1. Our lecturer _____ the importance of taking clear notes.
A. responded (trả lời) B. reiterated (nhắc lại) C. retained (giữ lại)D. recruited (tuyển dụng)
2. With rising costs and falling demand, the future for the car plant looks _____.
A. jagged (góc cạnh) B. abstract (trừu tượng) C. arid (khô cằn) D. bleak (ảm đạm)
3. In an attempt to prevent graffiti, the local youth group painted a huge _____ on the wall of the community
center.A. mural (bức tranh tường) B. fabric (vải) C. easel (giá để tranh vẽ) D. shade (sắc độ)
4. The package was too _____ to fit in the mailbox, so they left it on the step.
A. trendy B. bulky (cồng kềnh) C. gloomy D. breezy
5. If you _____ with the device in any way, the guarantee will no longer be valid.
A. inject B. transform C. consist D. tamper (tự ý sửa chữa)
6. How does he support his family on such _____ salary?
A. a meager (ít ỏi) B. a vast (rộng lớn) C. an ample (dồi dào) D. a countless (vô số)
7. Both of the jobs I’ve been offered are fantastic opportunities – I’m in such _____!
A. a dwelling B. a grudge C. an array D. a quandary (tình thế khó khăn)
8. The new science teacher was popular because she was _____ with her classes.
A. marked B. adverse C. lenient (khoan dung) D. visible
9. It was mindless of you to _________ Sam in the face. You should never have done it if you expect him to
love you. A. slap (tát) B. clap C. clasp D. slam
10. The counselor tried to make John feel less _____ about talking about his problems.
A. inhibited (bị ức chế) B. innovative (cải cách) C. infallible (không thể sai) D. inherited
(đc thừa kế)
Câu hỏi 3: (5 điểm)
GRAMMAR AND STRUCTURES
1. Hospital committees_______ spent weeks agonizing over which artificial kidney candidate would receive the
treatments now find that the decision is out of their hands.A. that once B. once C. haveD. once had
2. ______ of economic cycles been helpful in predicting turning points in cycles, they would have been used
more consistently.A. Psychological theories B. Psychological theories
C. Had psychological theories D. Psychological have theories
3. Among bees _____ a highly elaborate form of communication.
A. occur B. occurs C. it occurs D. they occur
4. ______ with about fifteen times its weight in air does gasoline allow the carburetor to run smoothly.
A. It is mixed B. Only when mixed C. When mixed D. To mix it
5. The daughters of Joseph LaFlesche were born into the generation of Omaha forced to abandon tribal
traditions, _____ on the reservation, and to adapt to the white man’s way.
A. they matured B. to mature C. maturing D. to maturity
6. A need for space law to include commercial concerns has been recognized inasmuch _____ been expanding
drastically in recent years.
A. the commercial launch industry B. the commercial launch industry has
C. as the commercial launch industry has D. as has the commercial launch industry
7. In Hailey, the best-known lecturer was women’s rights activist Abigail Scott Duniway of Portland, Oregon,
who could usually be persuaded to speak _____ town visiting her son.
A. she was in B. while in C. while she was D. was in
8. When _____ on July 4, 1789, the federal tariff, intended by the Founding Fathers to be the government’s
primary source of revenue, was remarkably evenhanded.
A. first enacted B. was first enacted C. was enacted first D. it first
9. While the discovery that many migratory songbirds can thrive in deforested wintering spots _____, the facts
remains that these birds are dying at unusual rates.
A. it is heartening B. hearten C. heartening D. is heartening
10. _____ contained in the chromosomes, and they are thought of as the units of heredity.
A. Genes are B. Genes which are C. When genes D. Because of genes
Câu hỏi 4: (5 điểm)
PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES, PHRASAL VERBS AND IDIOMS
1. The peach pile was so delicious that we _____ the whole thing.
A. polished off (ăn nhanh) B. coughed up C. wound up D. sponged off
2. Sharon is such a positive person – she _____ her problems, whatever they are.
A. takes a large bite of (giảm) B. tightens the screws on (siết chặt nội quy) C. makes light of (coi là
việc nhỏ) D. eats into (làm ai tức giận)
3. Many of us were shocked when a former actor was _____ as President of the U.S.
A. drawn into (lôi kéo) B. taken aback (=surprise) C. sworn in (tuyên bố trịnh trọng) D.
bring out (phát hành)
4. Despite all his _____, Bill agreed to the plan in the end.
A. pluses and minuses B. bits and pieces C. pros and cons (lợi và bất lợi) D. ifs and buts (ý kiến
phản đối)
5. At first the children enjoyed the game but quite soon _____ the novelty.
A. wore off (mất dần hứng thú) B. went off (dừng hoạt động) C. died out (tuyệt chủng)
D. died down
6. Our holiday plans fell _____ due to lack of money
A. for B. through (thất bại) C. over D. by
7. She is always _____ her friends behind their backs. She won’t have any friends left.
A. falling out (ngã) B. breaking off (vỡ ra) C. running down (chê bai) D. putting off
(hoãn)
8. The poor old woman couldn’t _____ through after the cooperation and passed away.
A. muddle B. plough C. pull (khỏi bệnh) D. run
9. Labour unions and the company _____ in a confrontation over plans to curb benefits.
A. caught up B. faced off (cạnh tranh) C. carried away D. showed up (có mặt)
10. It’s never a good idea to _____ your hopes on winning the lottery.
A. pin (đặt niềm tin) B. raise C. dash D. abandon
Câu hỏi 5: (10 điểm)
READING COMPREHENSION
Reading 1: Read the passage below and choose the best answer to each question.
Before the mid-1860's, the impact of the railroads in the United States was limited, in the sense that the
tracks ended at the Missouri River, approximately the centers of the country. At that point the trains turned their
freight, mail, and passengers over to Line 5 steamboats, wagons, and stagecoaches. This meant that wagon
freighting, stage coaching and steamboating did not come to an end when the first train appeared; rather they
became supplements or feeders. Each new "end-of-track" became a center for animal drawn or waterborne
transportation. The major effect of the railroad was to shorten the distance that had to be covered by the older,
slower, and more costly means. Wagon freighters continued operating throughout the 1870's and 1880's and into
the 1890's,
(10) although over constantly shrinking routes, and coaches and wagons continued to crisscross the West
wherever the rails had not yet been laid.
The beginning of a major change was foreshadowed in the later 1860's, when the Union Pacific Railroad
at last began to build westward from the Central Plaints city of Omaha to meet the Central Pacific Railroad
advancing eastward form California through (15) the formidable barriers of the Sierra Nevada. Although
 President Abraham Lincoln signed the original Pacific Railroad bill in 1862 and a revised, financially much
more generous version in 1864, little construction was completed until 1865 on the Central
Pacific and 1866 on the Union Pacific. The primary reason was skepticism that a railroad built through so
challenging and thinly settled a stretch of desert, mountain, (20) and semiarid plain could pay a profit. In the
words of an economist, this was a case of "premature enterprise", where not only the cost of construction but
also the very high risk deterred private investment. In discussing the Pacific Railroad bill, the chair of the
congressional committee bluntly stated that without government subsidy no one would undertake so
unpromising a venture; yet it was a national necessity to link East and(25) West together.
1. The author refers to the impact of railroads before the late 1860's as "limited" because
(A) the tracks did not take the direct route from one city to the next
(B) passenger and freight had to transfer to other modes of transportation to reach western destinations
(C) passengers preferred stagecoaches
(D) railroad travel was quite expensive
2. The word "they" in line 5 refers to
(A) tracks(B) trains (C) freight, mail, and passengers (D) steamboats, wagons, and stagecoaches

3. The word "supplements" in line 6 is closest in meaning to

(A) extensions (B) reformers (C) dependents (D) influences

(A) To argue that a more direct route to the West could have been taken
(B) To identify a historically significant mountain range in the West
(C) To point out the location of a serious train accident
(D) To give an example of an obstacle face by the Central Pacific
4. What can be inferred about coaches and wagon freighters as the railroads expanded?
(A) They developed competing routes. (B) Their drivers refused to work for the railroads.
(C) They began to specialize in transporting goods. (D) They were not used as much as before.
5. The word "crisscross" in line 11 is closest in meaning to
(A) lead the way (B) separate (C) move back and forth (D) uncover
6. Why does the author mention the Sierra Nevada in line 15?
(A) To argue that a more direct route to the West could have been taken
(B) To identify a historically significant mountain range in the West
(C) To point out the location of a serious train accident
(D) To give an example of an obstacle face by the Central Pacific
7. The word "skepticism" in line 18 is closest in meaning to
(A) doubt (B) amazement (C) urgency (D) determination
8. The Pacific railroads were considered a "premature enterprise" (line 21) because
(A) the technology of railroad cars was not fully developed
(B) there was not enough wood and steel for the tracks
(C) the cost and risks discouraged private investment
(D) there were insufficient numbers of trained people to operate them
9. The word "subsidy" in line 23 is closest in meaning to
(A) persuasion (B) financing (C) explanation (D) penalty
10. Where in the passage does the author give example of geographical challenges to railroad construction? (A)
Lines 4-6 (B) Lines 8-11 (C) Lines 18-20 (D) Lines 22-25