CHƯƠNG TRÌNH LUYỆN THI VSTEP

VSTEP B1, B2, C1

READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Steps

Identify
ScanRead
Verifythe
the
or skimand
questions
questions
answer
for the answer

Skill 1: Main idea questions

Usually a reading passage has a multiple-choice question about the main idea of the passage. Such a
question may be worded in a variety of ways; students are, for example, asked to identify the topic, subject,
title, primary idea, main point, main idea or best summary. It is relatively easy to find the main ideas by
studying the topic sentences, which are most probably found at the beginning of a passage. The title is often
the main idea if it is given. If a passage has only one paragraph, students should study the beginning of that
paragraph to determine the main idea.
 Looking for the answers
 The titles
 The first sentences
 The first paragraphs
 Verifying and answering
 Skimming through the passage to verify the main idea.
 Answering: The answer is found in the title, the idea in the first sentence or in the first paragraph.
 Choices: Select the choice similar to the title/the idea in the first sentence.

Ex:
Question: What is the best title for the passage?
A. Arguments over Global Warming B. Global Warming and its Causes
C. Global Warming Solutions D. Global Warming’s Effect on Earth
Question: What is the main topic of the passage?
A. Visual perception of sensory material B. The historical context for the artistic expression
C. Studying the Van Gogh’ The Starry Night D. The appreciation of works of art

Skill 2: Vocabulary (in context)

 Identifying the questions
 Key words: meaning, mean, replace, stand for, synonym, closest in meaning.
 Looking for the answers
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the key word.
 Read the sentence in which the key word exists, the previous sentence and the following one (The
scale is three sentences).
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 Verifying and answering:
 Scanning through the passage to verify the idea.
 Answering: The explanation can be found in the scale of three sentences surrounding the key word.
 Select the choice similar to the explanation in the scale of three sentences surrounding the key
word.
Ex:
Question: Which of the following words does the word “hamper” have closest meaning to?
A. basket B. assist C. prohibit D. restrict
Question: “Sequestering” has closest meaning to ……
A. absorb B. isolate C. release D. emit
Question: The word “bequeath” in the passage is closest in meaning to ……
A. make out B. pass on C. look over D. take in
Question: The word “intrigued” in the passage is closest in meaning to …..
A. very pleased B. very confused C. very interested D. very surprised

Skill 3: Reference questions

 Identifying the questions
 Key words: it, its, they, them, their, her, him, this, that, one, ones, the problem, the question,
etc… refer, substitute.
 Looking for the answers
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the pronoun. Đọc lướt từ trên xuống tìm đại từ.
 Read the previous sentence. Đọc phần/câu trước đại từ để tìm câu trả lời.
 Verifying and answering
 Read the previous sentence carefully and find out what the pronoun indicates (thing or person,
singular or plural, etc.)
 Choose the word or phrase that is equivalent to the pronoun.

Ex:
Question: The word “them” in the last paragraph refers to ….
A. each attentive observer B. thoughts and emotions
C. a lifetime of experiences D. great works of art
Question: What does “which” in paragraph 3 refer to?
A. current concentrations B. that current concentrations are about 380 ppm
C. 380 ppm D. ppm
Question: The word “we” in paragraph 2 refers to …..
A. humans B. economists, sociologists, and politicians
C. animals D. scientists

Skill 4: Stated detail questions

 Identifying the questions
 Key words: state, indicate, discuss, according to, mention, true and important words (where,
what, who, when, etc.).
 Looking for the answers
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the key word.
 Read the sentence in which the key word exists.
 Verifying and answering
 Scanning through the passage to verify the idea.
 Answering: Find the answers from the idea in the sentence in which the key word exists.
 CHƯƠNG TRÌNH LUYỆN THI VSTEP
 Choices: Select the choice similar to the idea in the sentence in which the key word exists.
Ex:
Question: According to paragraph 2, how many degrees could the Earth warm up?
A. 2.5 B. 2.5 or 10 C. 10 D. from 2.5 to 10
Question: In many areas of China, when do men usually smoke?
A. Before a meal B. After a meal
C. Before they go to sleep D. When they get up
Question: What dis Matisse reinterpret?
A. A goddess from mythology B. A painting by another artist
C. An ancient sculpture D. A man in history

Skill 5: Unstated detail questions (Negative questions)

 Identifying the questions
 Key words: not stated, not indicated, not discussed, not mentioned, not true, false, except.
 Looking for the answers
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the key word.
 Read the sentence in which the key word exists.
 Verifying and answering:
 Scanning through the passage to verify the idea.
 Answering: Select the choice not similar to the idea in the sentence in which the key word exists.
(Do not choose the three similar/true choices)

Ex:
Question: Which of the following statements is NOT a main idea of the passage?
A. Many strains of bacteria have become resistant to the antibiotics currently available.
B. Funding for the production of new antibiotics has been allocated to drug companies.
C. The first antibiotics were very effective in blocking the reproduction of bacteria.
D. Nw antibiotics are being developed to combat bacteria that resist the older antibiotics.
Question: The author mentions all of the following reasons for drug resistant bacteria to appear EXCEPT
__.
A. there was not enough profit incentive for companies to continue developing new antibiotics
B. statistically, some drug-resistant bacteria will occur naturally in any large population of bacteria
C. the newer antibiotics were not as strong and effective as the original penicillin-based drugs
D. competing bacteria are destroyed by antibotics, allowing resistant bacteria to prosper
Question: What stabilization wedges are not mentioned in the passage?
A. create environment-friendly materials
B. capture and store carbon dioxide underground
C. increase the use of renewable energy
D. grow more trees

Skill 6: Inference questions

 Identifying the questions
 Key words: implied, inferred, likely, probably, not directly stated, concluded, determined.
 Looking for the answers
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the key word.
 Read the sentence in which the key word exists.
 Verifying and answering
 Scanning through the passage to verify the idea.
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 Answering: Take the inference of the idea in the sentence in which the key word exists.
 Choices: The choice is the inference of the idea in the sentence in which the key word exists.
Ex:
Question: It can be inferred from the passage that ___.
A. research to develop new antibiotics will not be necessary in the future
B. the scientific community was not surprised by the resistant strains of bacteria
C. antibiotics are not very expensive when they are made available comercially
D. it takes years for a new drug to be made available comercially for consumers
Question: The author implies that the colonial joiners ___.
A. were highly paid
B. based their furniture on English models
C. used many specialized tools
D. has to adjust using new kinds of wool in England

Skill 7: Rhetorical Purposes

 Identifying the questions
 Key word: Why does the author/writer mention/discuss … the author/writer mention … to …
 Looking for the answers
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the key word.
 Read the sentence in which the key word exists.
 Verifying and answering
 Scan in order from the top to the bottom for the key word.
 Read the sentence in which the key word exists or the sentences which are around it.
 Draw a conclusion on the purpose of the highlighted information (key word).

Ex:
Question: What is the purpose of this passage?
A. To report the difficuties of finding jobs at 50s.
B. To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 50-year-old job seekers.
C. To warn people against skipping jobs at later ages.
D. To raise awareness on the importance of maintaining social connections and learning new skills at early
stages.
Question: What is the writer’s purpose?
A. To argue over smoking policy in China B. To support smoking in China
C. To warn and prevent smoking in China D. To report the results of a research paper

Skill 8: Sentence Insertion

 Identifying the questions: Where would the following sentence best fit?
 Looking for the answers
 Read the given sentence carefully to understand its message.
 Look at the four squares in the passage. Read the context surrounding them.
 Choose the square that is most related to the sentence.

Ex:
Question: Look at the four squares [5A], [5B], [5C], [5D] in the passage. Where would the following
sentence best fit?
These gifts from individual people were limited to one dollar each.
 CHƯƠNG TRÌNH LUYỆN THI VSTEP
Practice:
Alexander the Great commissioned the city of Alexandria to create a Mediterranean stronghold in
Egypt to rival Rome and cities in Greece. He died before his idea came to fruition, but his successors built it
into one of the greatest cities of the Hellenistic world. The Royal Library of Alexandria has achieved an
almost mythical status among scholars of classical studies. As with many ancient topics, scholarship on the
matter often conflicts and relies heavily on hearsay and supposition. We will examine the importance of the
library during its heyday and how it operated.
As with many ancient landmarks, there is much debate and controversy over Alexandria's library,
especially regarding its destruction. The tale has been retold by countless historians and attributed to just as
many different factions and rulers, not to profile this landmark of education, but as a tool for political
slander. It is estimated that there are over 4000 writings regarding its destruction, yet very little data exists
regarding the structure, layout, organization, administration, or whereabouts of the complex. The accuracy
of the available information is suspect. However, 20 century scholars have reached some general consensus
from the remaining sources.
Most historians have come to the conclusion that-the original library (also known as the Temple of
the Muses) was commissioned by Ptolemy I, Alexander's key general. More accurately, it was
commissioned by the Athenian exile Demetrius of Phaleron under ‘Ptolemy I's patronage. Traditionally it
was attributed to his son Ptolemy I. However, it was later shown that Demetrius was antagonistic toward
Ptolemy II and did not survive for much of his reign. Ptolemy II can be seen as responsible for the fruition
and completion of the library and museum complex. H.G. Wells asserts that Ptolemy and his son encouraged
‘a blaze of knowledge and discovery at Alexandria’ through their funding of the library and other
endowments.
The library itself was not a ‘library’ in the modern etymology. In fact, the library was essentially a
collection of scholars and scribes encouraged to expand scientific and philosophical wisdom and
musings brought about because of the ambition and drive of Ptolemy I. It was not the first institution of
its type, developing about a half-century after Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum. About 30-50
scholars were probably permanently housed there, fed, and funded, first by the royal family, and later,
according to an early Roman scroll, by public money. It served a religious, as well as an intellectual,
function and it was the centerpiece of a so-called cult of the muses, governed by a priest.
[A] The library's output was created through observation and deduction in math, medicine,
astronomy, and geometry, the editing of texts and manuscripts, and debating various advances in Western
knowledge. [B] For two or three generations, the scientific output at Alexandria was considerably good. Its
achievements included the introduction of the first steam engine, the first star map, and an astoundingly
accurate estimate of the Earth's diameter. [C] Famous scholars employed there included Euclid,
Eratosthenes, Apollonius, and Hero. [D]
The library may have consisted of a group of buildings, including lecture halls, study rooms, dining
rooms, gardens, and an astronomical observatory. In organization of the library, it is believed that, in the
time of Ptolemy II, the scrolls were haphazardly stored and grouped by general category. From the time of
Callimachus onwards, they used an early iteration of a subject catalog. Subject divisions outlined by
Callimachus included mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and geometry, as well as philology. At its peak, it
is estimated about 600,000 scrolls were held within its walls, although that is likely an overstatement.
The Ptolemys achieved their goal of creating the largest collection of its kind by varied and often
forceful means. At the time of its founding, Greek libraries were usually collections of manuscripts by
private individuals. Ptolemy had a vision to collect all accepted literature on all matters scientific,
philosophical and spiritual. The library tried to get copies of all known books and would send agents far and
wide to acquire them. Ptolemy III wrote a letter "to all the world's sovereigns" asking to borrow their books.
On more than a few occasions, scribes made copies and kept the originals. Supposedly, all ships entering
Alexandria's harbor were searched for books to copy.
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The Royal Library of Alexandria was created at an ideal time and place in world history. It was able
to combine the deductive techniques of Greek thought toward the learning of other world cultures. As such,
it holds a legendary position among historians as an important center of classical knowledge. Although
much of the story has been buried with time and conflict, the importance and significance of its
contributions are clear.
Question 1. All of the following sentences express important ideas in the passage EXCEPT ____
A. The library was essentially a collection of scholars and scribes encouraged to expand scientific and
philosophical wisdom.
B. In the time of Callimachus, the scrolls were haphazardly stored and grouped by general category.
C. It is estimated that there were over 4000 writings about its destruction, yet very little evidence exists.
D. The library tried to get copies of all known books and would employ several methods of acquiring them.
Question 2. The word "factions" in the passage is closest in meaning to ____.
A. sections B. insubordinates C. cliques D. conspiracies
Question 3. The word "its" in the passage refers to ____.
A. data B. education
C. the Royal Library of Alexandria D. destruction
Question 4. The author mentions "its destruction" in the passage in order to ____.
A. introduce the idea that the destruction was caused by natural disaster
B. illustrate that there are so many arguments surrounding its demise and disappearance
C. indicate the difference between its destruction and other libraries destruction
D. highlight the difference between the library and other historic sites
Question 5. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in
the passage? Incorrect answer choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential
information.
A. Commissioned by Ptolemy I, the Royal Library was a place where people who wanted to learn gathered
to study and record their philosophies.
B. The library was a large building where students gathered to " research and study".
C. Philosophers often visited the library to further their studies.
D. Many people gathered at the Royal Library in Alexandria in order to socialize with their friends.
Question 6. According to paragraph 6, what was true about the early iteration of a subject catalog?
A. All the books were grouped within two general categories.
B. The books were chosen for their innovation, thematic impact, and popular appeal.
C. The librarians organized the collection of books systematically.
D. The library achieved an astonishing collection and many developments.
Question 7. The word "overstatement" in the passage is closest in meaning to ____.
A. estimation B. falsehood C. exaggeration D. presumption
Question 8. Which of the following can be inferred about the Royal Library from the passage?
A. Most of the manuscripts from the library are preserved in modern museums.
B. Several writings from the library have been scanned and can be viewed on the Internet.
C. Little of the manuscripts contained in the library are in existence today.
D. The library is currently being reconstructed.
Question 9. According to historians, all of the following were true about the Royal Library of Alexandria
EXCEPT ____.
A. It probably contained over 600,000 writings.
B. Little is known of its exact location.
C. It was responsible for the first star map.
D. It was the largest and most magnificent library in history.
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Question 10. Look at the four squares [_] that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the
passage.
It remained an important intellectual center for over 500 years until numerous fires and other problems
eroded its significance.
Where would the sentence best fit?
A. [A] B. [B] C. [C] D. [D]