PASSAGE 21

Twenty-three million years ago, a giant carnivore larger than any modern-day lion or polar bear stalked sub-Saharan Africa, according to the fossils of a previously undiscovered species that spent decades in a museum drawer at the National Museums of Kenya. The fossils were originally found in Kenya decades ago, but at that time researchers were searching for ancient apes, so the fossils were put aside.

The skull of the fossil is comparable to that of a rhinoceros, and given its size and giant sharp teeth, the carnivore was at the head of its food chain. Researchers estimate that it weighed 1.6 tons and could prey on large herbivores akin to today’s elephant and hippopotamus. Its canine teeth and molars would have been able to tear flesh and crack bones easily.

The researchers dubbed the newly discovered species Simbakubwa kutokaafrika, which is Swahili for “big lion coming from Africa.” But it’s not a close relative of lions, other big cats or even mammalian carnivores that roam the Earth today. Instead, Simbakubwa was part of the hyaenodonts, an extinct group of mammalian carnivores that lived in Africa.

After the extinction of dinosaurs, they enjoyed a 45 million-year reign as the key predators. Additionally, tectonic plates shifted, allowing Simbakubwa to cross a landbridge into Eurasia and flourish on other continents, as well. And even though they lived for millions of years, they went extinct between 15 million and 18 million years ago.

“We don’t know exactly what drove hyaenodonts to extinction, but ecosystems were changing quickly as the global climate became drier. The gigantic relatives of Simbakubwa were among the last hyaenodonts on the planet,” said Matthew Borths, study author and curator of the Division of Fossil Primates at Duke University. Nancy Stevens, study co-author and professor in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine at Ohio University, noted in a statement that “This is a pivotal fossil, demonstrating the significance of museum collections for understanding evolutionary history. Simbakubwa is a window into a bygone era. As ecosystems shifted, a key predator disappeared, heralding Cenozoic faunal transitions that eventually led to the evolution of the modern African fauna.”

(Adapted from https://edition.cnn.com)

Câu 1. The passage primarily concerns which of the following?

A. The characteristics of an ancient species called

B. The study of fossils and ancient dinosaurs in

C. The largest and oldest living

D. The discovery of an ancient carnivore’s fossils in

Câu 2. What can be inferred from the first paragraph?

A. The fossils did not attract scientists or reasearcher’s attention for

B. Reasearchers in Kenya ignored the fossils because they were

C. The fossils are a relatively recent

D. Ancient apes lived in Kenya in the distant past, along with the

Câu 3. The word “akin” in the second paragraph most likely means    .

A. hostile

B. dangerous

C. similar   

D. independent

Câu 4. The word “it” in the second paragraph refers to     .

A. A rhinoceros

B. The skull

C. Food chain

D. The carnivore

Câu 5. It can be inferred from what Matthew Borths said in the last paragraph that .

A. Drier global climate had almost no effect on

B. The gigantic relatives of Simbakubwa were last seen in

C. Researchers have determined the exact reason why hyaenodonts went

D. Shifting ecosystems probably contributed to the extinction of

Câu 6. The word “flourish” in the fourth paragraph most likely means         .

A. dominate

B. thrive

C. evolve

D. bloom

Câu 7. Which of the following is TRUE about Simbakubwa?

A. They originated in areas outside the continent of Africa

B. They reigned over many species, including dinosaurs, for 45 million

C. They bear little relation to modern-day big cats or mammalian

D. They suffered from negative effects caused by the movement of tectonic

Câu 8. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?

A. The species that the newly discovered fossils in Kenya belong to, which is a close relative of modern-day lions, was one of the largest carnivores ever to walk the

B. The fossils found in Kenya plays an instrumental role in helping researchers understand more about the evolution of

C. Thanks to the discovery of the fossils, researchers at Kenya can now work on determining how hyaenodonts went

D. It is possible that the true ancestor of modern-day big cats may never be found due to the rapid changes of global climate and

PASSAGE 22

In two studies publicly presented on Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Orlando, Florida in the United States, scientists have disclosed new steps toward using natural adhesives made by the dusky Arion slug (Arion subfuscus) in medical applications such as in closing skin wounds and reducing scarring.

Arion slug secretes an unusual glue, making itself a difficult target for predators. This glue remains both sticky and flexible and works even when the surface the slug is on is wet. Previous studies have shown that, unlike many artificial adhesives, Arion slug glue is non-toxic to mammalian tissue.

Scientist Rebecca Falconer, an Ithaca College undergraduate who led one of the two studies, said “Typical sutures like staples and stitches often lead to scarring and create holes in the skin that could increase the chance of infection after surgery […] Understanding the roles of adhesive proteins in the slug glue would aid in the creation of a medical adhesive that can move and stretch yet still retain its strength and adhesiveness.” In her set of experiments, Falconer observed eleven proteins found only in the Arion slug glue and used DNA recombination to produce usable amounts of each of these proteins, whereas Christopher Gallego-Lazo, also an Ithaca undergraduate, evaluated the glue by focusing on the chemical bonds within it. Gallego-Lazo found that slight changes in these chemical bonds could alter the strength of the slug glue.

Gallego-Lazo said, “Few studies on biological adhesives have identified the exact nature of the bonds holding the glue together. This knowledge can guide the development of an organic synthetic adhesive that would reduce the risk of infection and scarring compared to stitches and staples and could be applied rapidly and simply.”

(Adapted from Wikinews)

Câu 1. The word “disclosed” in the passage is closest in meaning to   .

A. discovered

B. approved

C. revealed

D. proved

Câu 2. The word “its” in the third paragraph refers to      .

A. slug glue

B. adhesive proteins

C. the creation

D. medical adhesive

Câu 3. According to the passage, all of the following characteristics of the slug glue have been studied by scientists EXCEPT for          .

A. Inner chemical bonds

B. Toxicity

C. Adhesive proteins

D. DNA recombination

Câu 4. What is the passage mainly about?

A. New discoveries about artificial

B. Ongoing research about a new type of organic

C. The drawbacks of typical

D. Reducing the risk of infection caused by stiches and

Câu 5. The chemical bonds of the slug glue are being studied because .

A. they can directly alter the strength of the slug

B. they can be used to produce usable amounts of adhesive

C. they can lead to infection like stiches and

D. they can provide scientists with useful

PASSAGE 23

One million of the planet’s eight million species are threatened with extinction by humans, scientists warned Monday in what is described as the most comprehensive assessment of global nature loss ever. Their report paints a bleak picture of a planet ravaged by an ever-growing human population, whose insatiable consumption is destroying the natural world.

Shrinking habitat, exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution are the main drivers of species loss and are threatening more than 40% of amphibians, 33% of coral reefs and over a third of all marine mammals with extinction, according to the report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a U.N committee. This report comes six months after the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that the world has less than 12 years to avoid catastrophic levels of global warming. In the same way that the IPCC report turned the climate crisis into a political concern, the authors of the IPBES report hope that it will thrust nature loss into the global spotlight.

Just as with climate change, humans are the main culprits of biodiversity damage, altering 75% of Earth’s land and 66% of marine ecosystems since pre-industrial times and using more than a third of the world’s land and 75% of freshwater supplies for crop or livestock production, according to the report. Additionally, it also pointed out that in 2015, a third of marine stocks were being fished at unsustainable levels and the amount of raw timber being harvested has increased by almost half since 1970, with up to 15% of it cut illegally. Moreover, marine plastic pollution has increased tenfold since 1980. Pollution entering coastal ecosystems has produced more than 400 ocean “dead zones,” totaling an area bigger than the United Kingdom. These areas are so starved of oxygen they can barely support marine life.

However, “it is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global,” said Sir Robert Watson, IPBES chair, adding that this would require a complete change of economic systems and a shift in political and social mindsets. Several recommendations were, made in the report, including improving sustainability in farming by planning landscapes so that they provide food while supporting the species that live there at the same time, reforming supply chains and reducing food waste. When it comes to healthy oceans, the report recommends effective fishing quotas, designated protected areas and reducing the pollution that runs off from the land into the sea, among other actions.

(Adapted from https://edition.cnn.com)

Câu 1. Which of the following is the passage’s main concern?

A. How governments can save species from

B. Marine life under threat due to increasing

C. The impending great loss of biodiversity due to human

D. The negative impacts of climate change on

Câu 2. What can be inferred from paragraph 2?

A. A catastrophe will happen in 12 years if global warming

B. Authors of the IPBES report want to increase awareness about nature

C. The IPCC report drew the attention of politicians to the extinction of

D. Climate change is the biggest contributor to species loss, according to

Câu 3. The word “bleak” in paragraph 1 can be best replaced by         .

A. dangerous

B. unpromising

C. cruel      

D. severe

Câu 4. The word “it” in the second paragraph refers to     .

A. political concern

B. IPCC’s report

C. IPBES’s report 

D. climate crisis

Câu 5. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that       .

A. International agencies are entirely responsible for preventing nature

B. Changing economic systems will lead to a shift in political and social

C. Landscapes can be altered in ways that benefit species in the

D. By minimizing pollutants from land, polluted oceans can be cleaned

Câu 6. The word “support” in the fourth paragraph is closest in meaning to .

A. assist

B. provide

C. hold       

D. sustain

Câu 7. Which of the following is TRUE, according to the passage?

A. More than a quarter of Earth’s species are on the verge of

B. Pollution levels in ocean “dead zones” are far greater than those in the United

C. Humans are to blame for both climate change and loss of

D. Amphibians account for 40% of the species that are under

Câu 8. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?

A. Marine life is suffering the greatest impact from human

B. The exploitation of resources is a threat for animals as well as

C. We can only stop biodiversity loss by making farming more

D. 75% of Earth’s land was altered as a consequence of industrial

 

PASSAGE 24

Weekly Reader News heads down under to find out what scientists are doing to save Australia’s koalas.

Koalas are pictured everywhere in Australia – on cleaning products, on boxes of chocolate, on sports team jerseys.

Yet the animals live only in pockets along the east coast. The marsupials once inhabited the entire coastline. (A marsupials is a mammal that typically carries its young in a pouch.)

The koala’s population dropped after farmers cut down many of the forests where koalas lived and hunters killed the animals for their fur. Buy the early 1900s, “koalas were basically shot out of south Australia,” says ecologist Bill Ellis. An ecologist is a scientist who studies the relationships among living things and their environments.

I recently joined Ellis and his team in a forest on St. Bees Island, 19 miles off the northeastern coast of Australia, with eight other volunteers. The island is a natural laboratory, yielding findings that may help protect koalas elsewhere on the continent.

Trees Tags

The volunteers combed the island for koalas in the blue gum trees. When we found a koala, we gathered information about the trees in the area.

Blue gum is a species of eucalyptus tree in which the furry leaf eaters spend most of their time. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, and their leaves are the main food source for koalas. Although koalas can walk on the ground, they are better suited for life in the canopy, the high cover of branches and leaves in a forest.

Goat Trouble?

What has Ellis’s research told him so far? The St. Bees population seems to be healthy. Yet Ellis wonders whether the koalas might be heading for hard times. The island is overrun with wild goats, and Ellis thinks the goats are eating the small blue gum trees.

Without those trees, the koalas will run out of food in the future. Ellis hopes more research will help him understand how to protect the blue gums – and the koalas that depend on them. “I think that’s what everyone is trying to do – to make a difference,” Ellis says.

(Weekly Reader 2007)

Câu 1. Though koalas can walk on the ground, they are better suited for life .

A. on island off the northeastern coast

B. in the high cover of branches and leaves in the forest

C. by the coastline

D. inside of the blue gum tree

Câu 2. Why do you think the koalas no longer inhabit the entire coastline?

A. The koalas have moved to a drier

B. Koalas have been killed by

C. Koalas have been moved to zoos for protection

D. Disease has caused the koalas to decrease in

Câu 3. How does the author organize the information in this passage?

A. The author provides details about the unusual nature and habitat of

B. The author compares the arguments for and against koalas

C. The author describes a current problem and investigates research on

D. The author combines fiction and nonfiction information about koalas to explain their popularity in Australian

Câu 4. What can be inferred from the information in the second paragraph regarding koalas being “pictured everywhere” in Australian?

A. Koalas have been found to be good advertisements for

B. Koalas are dying out, so pictures are difficult to

C. Koalas are well-liked across

D. Many ecologists are trying to save the

Câu 5. What words could best replace the phrase “yielding findings” in the paragraph 4?

A. producing discoveries

B. giving treasures

C. giving away materials

D. making way for discoveries

Câu 6. How do you think goats cause trouble for the koalas?

A. Koalas catch diseases from the

B. Goats and koalas fight over living

C. Goats are meat eaters and koalas are food

D. Goats eat the small trees that the koalas depend on for

Câu 7. Since koalas are better suited to life in the canopy than to walking on the ground, we may assume they have          .

A. extra big feet

B. floppy pouches

C. strong arms     

D. beautiful fur

Câu 8. What is the main idea of this passage?

A. Bill Ellis studies marsupials and their habitats in order to ensure that koalas and wild goats can live harmoniously.

B. Koalas are very unusual, carrying their young in a pouch and inhabiting only the east coast of Australia.

C. Koalas are an Australian treasure, pictured on items in the grocery store and on sports team

D. Researchers and volunteers are researching koala habitats, many of which have been

PASSAGE 25

Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. They are full of life, with perhaps one quarter of all ocean species depending on reefs for food and shelter. This is a remarkable statistic when you consider that reefs cover just a tiny fraction of the earth’s surface and less than two per cent of the ocean bottom. Because they are so diverse, coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the ocean. Coral reefs are very important to people. They even provide seventy per cent of the food demands for some marine species, protection of shorelines, jobs based on tourism (nine out of twelve activities for tourists in Nha Trang, for example, involve the coral reefs), and even medicines.

Unfortunately, climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems. Scientific evidence now clearly indicates that the Earth’s atmosphere and ocean are warming, and that these changes are primarily due to greenhouse gases derived from human activities.

As temperatures rise, mass coral bleaching events and infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent. Additionally, carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean from the atmosphere has already begun to reduce to calcification rates in reef- building and reef- associated organisms by altering seawater chemistry through decrease in PH. This process is called ocean acidification.

Climate change will affect coral reef ecosystems, through sea level rise, changes to the frequency and intensity of tropical storms, and altered ocean circulation patterns. When combined, all of these impacts dramatically after ecosystem function, as well as the goods and services coral reef ecosystems provide to people around the globe.

There are so many things you can do to ensure that you are environmentally conscious when you visit coral reefs or coastal areas. These include things such as hiring local guides to support the economy, removing all trash from an area, never touching or harassing wildlife in reef areas, and avoiding dropping your boat anchor or chain nearby a coral reef.

Finally, stay informed and spread the word! Educate yourself about why healthy coral reefs are valuable to the people, fish, plants, and animals that depend on them. Your excitement will help others get involved.

(Source: Adapted from Study Skills: Managing Your Learning — NUI Galway)

Câu 1. Though the coverage of coral reefs on the sea bed is       , its vital role is undeniable.

A. remarkable

B. small

C. diverse   

D. huge

Câu 2.         of all the ocean species find food and home in the coral reefs.

A. Two per cent

B. Seventy per cent

C. Twenty- five per cent

D. Nine per cent

Câu 3. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere directly caused      .

A. infectious disease outbreaks

B. reef- building

C. sea level rise

D. ocean acidification

Câu 4. Which of the following statement is NOT true?

A. Coral reefs can be compared to rainforests due to its

B. The effects of global warming are only on the ecosystems

C. You can help the coral reefs by educating not only yourself but people around

D. Human activities which cause greenhouse gases are major reasons for the climate

Câu 5. The word “conscious” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to .

A. knowledgeable

B. curious

C. aware     

D. acknowledgeable

PASSAGE 26

Pollution is the degradation of natural environment by external substances introduced directly or indirectly. Human health, ecosystem quality and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity may be affected and altered permanently by pollution.

Pollution occurs when ecosystems cannot get rid of substances introduced into the environment. The critical threshold of its ability to naturally eliminate substances is compromised and the balance of the ecosystem is broken.

The sources of pollution are numerous. The identification of these different pollutants and their effects on ecosystems is complex. They can come from natural disasters or the result of human activity, such as oil spills, chemical spills, nuclear accidents… These can have terrible consequences on people and the planet where they live: destruction of the biodiversity, increased mortality of the human and animal species, destruction of natural habitat, damage caused to the quality of soil, water and air…

Preventing pollution and protecting the environment necessitate the application of the principles of sustainable development. We have to consider satisfying the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This means that we should remedy existing pollution, but also anticipate and prevent future pollution sources in order to protect the environment and public health. Any environmental damage must be punishable by law and polluters should pay compensation for the damage caused to the environment.

Câu 1. What is the topic of the passage?

A. Pollution: causes, effects and solutions.

B. Pollution – a big problem.

C. What is pollution?

D. What should we do to protect environment?

Câu 2. The phrase “get rid of” in paragraph 2 is closest meaning to:

A. remove

B. replace

C. reuse

D. recycle

Câu 3. According to the passage, these are sources of pollution, EXCEPT

A. natural disasters

B. oil spills

C. killing animals

D. nuclear accidents

Câu 4. Which sentence is TRUE?

A. Human race is the only species affected by

B. It is not easy to identify the pollutants and their effects on

C. Pollution is harmless to natural

D. Human activity doesn’t cause

Câu 5. The pronoun “they” in paragraph 3 refers to

A. natural disasters

B. people

C. consequences

D. nuclear accidents

Câu 6. According to the passage, what should be done to protect the environment?

A. We should try our best to meet our needs of

B. We should not care for the existing

C. People who damage the environment should be

D. People should be made to pay compensation if they damage the

Câu 7. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that

A. We cannot prevent the sources that may cause pollution in the

B. Future generations may not meet their needs because of pollution we cause

C. We can do nothing to remedy

D. Biodiversity will not be influenced if animals are

PASSAGE 27

With 13,000 floral species and over 15,000 faunal species, three newly discovered big animal species, and a ratio of country/world species of 6.3%, Vietnam has enormous tourism-particularly ecotourism- potential. In fact, since 1986, when renovation reforms began the shift from a centrally planned to a socialist-oriented market, or multi-sectoral, economy, tourism has been an sector of primary concern to the government. In May 1995, the prime minister of Vietnam approved a master plan of tourism development for the period 1995-2010. In February 1999, the state decree on tourism was part of the socio-economic development strategy for the period 2001-2010 approved at the IX National Congress of the Party: “Tourism development has become a spearhead economic industry indeed. It is necessary to improve the quality and effectiveness of tourism activities, bringing into full play the natural conditions, and cultural and historical tradition to meet the domestic and international demand for tourism and to catch up with tourism development in the region” (Document of the IX National Congress 2001).

Tourism has so far brought great benefits to the economy, but it has also contributed to environmental degradation, especially biodiversity deterioration. Thus, the concept of “sustainable development”— development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs—must be factored into tourism development. This consideration is reflected in the term “ecotourism,” which is referred to variously as ecological or environmental tourism, nature or green tourism, sustainable or responsible tourism.

Ecotourism involves travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas with the specific object of studying, admiring, and enjoying scenery, plants, and animals, as well as any cultural features found in these areas. It is distinguished from mass or resort tourism by its lower impact on the environment, lower infrastructure requirements, and its role in educating tourists about natural environments and cultural values.

Fully aware of its significance, the government of Vietnam has prioritized ecotourism in its strategy for tourism development to ensure both sustainability and economic benefits. Though ecotourism in Vietnam is at a beginning stage of development, it is expected to grow strongly through support from government and international organizations.

Câu 1. How many types of plants does Vietnam have?

A. Thirteen thousand

B. Fifteen thousand

C. Sixty three       

D. Three

Câu 2. When has tourism officially contributed to socio-economic development?

A. Since 2010

B. Since 1995

C. Since 1999      

D. Since 2001

Câu 3. It can be inferred that in the late 20th  century Vietnam’s tourism       .

A. has never been a spearhead economic industry

B. was not as developed as that in other Asian countries

C. has always been effective and necessary for economy

D. did not need natural conditions or cultural traditions

Câu 4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as “ecotourism”?

A. Environmental tourism

B. Green tourism

C. Responsible tourism

D. Resort tourism

Câu 5. Ecotourism is mainly for         purposes.

A. entertaining

B. educational

C. relaxing 

D. advertising

Câu 6. What is the word “degradation” closest in meaning to?

A. Creation

B. Pollution

C. Protection

D. Decline

Câu 7. What does the word “It” in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A. Tourism

B. Ecotourism

C. Environment    

D. Requirement

Câu 8. According to the passage, who help ecotourism to develop in Vietnam?

A. Vietnam’s government and international

B. Business people and environmental

C. Foreign tourists and local Vietnamese

D. Business corporations and non-government

PASSAGE 28

Pollutants in the air aren’t always visible and come from many different sources. Smog hanging over cities is the most familiar and obvious form of air pollution. But there are different kinds of pollution – some visible, some invisible – that contribute to global warning. Generally any substance that people introduce into the atmosphere that has damaging effects on living things and the environment is considered air pollution.

Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth. Though living things emit carbon dioxide when they breathe, carbon dioxide is widely considered to be a pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants, and other human activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. In the past 150 years, such activities have pumped enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to raise its levels higher than they have been for hundreds of thousands of years.

Other greenhouse gases include methane – which comes from such sources as swamps and gas emitted by livestock – and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used in refrigerants and aerosol propellants until they were banned because of their deteriorating effect on Earth’s ozone layer.

Another pollutant associated with climate change is sulfur dioxide, a component of smog. Sulfur dioxide and closely related chemicals are known primarily as a cause of acid rain. But they also reflect light when released in the atmosphere, which keeps sunlight out and causes Earth to cool. Volcanic eruptions can spew massive amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, sometimes causing cooling that lasts for years. In fact, volcanoes used to be the main sources of atmospheric sulfur dioxide; today people are.

Industrialized countries have worked to reduce levels of sulfur dioxide, smog, and smoke in order to improve people’s health. But a result, not predicted until recently, is that the lower sulfur dioxide levels may actually make global warming worse. Just as sulfur dioxide from volcanoes can cool the planet by blocking sunlight, cutting the amount of the compound in the atmosphere lets more sunlight through, warming the Earth. This effect is exaggerated when elevated levels of other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the additional heat.

Câu 1. According to the passage, some kind of air pollution      .

A. are not introduced into the atmosphere

B. do not damage the environment

C. cannot be seen with our naked eyes

D. do not affect living things seriously

Câu 2. What is the main origin of carbon dioxide in the air?

A. Living things’ breathing

B. Manufacturing cars

C. Building power plants

D. Burning coals and petrol

Câu 3. What were banned because of their damaging the ozone layer?

A. Chlorofluorocarbons

B. Methane and gas

C. Refrigerants

D. Aerosol propellants

Câu 4. What is NOT mentioned as a feature of sulfur dioxide?

A. Creating smog

B. Causing acid rain

C. Reflecting light

D. Warming the Earth up

Câu 5. What has been the main source of atmospheric sulfur dioxide recently?

A. Human activities

B. Volcanic eruptions

C. Forest fires      

D. Earthquakes

Câu 6. What does the word “the compound” in the last paragraph refer to?

A. carbon dioxide

B. methane

C. chlorofluorocarbons  

D. sulfur dioxide

Câu 7. What is the word “exaggerated” in the last sentence closest in meaning to?

A. overdone

B. understated

C. overestimated

D. over-invested

Câu 8. What is the text about?

A. Ocean pollution

B. Air pollutants

C. Tropical environment

D. How to reduce pollution

 

PASSAGE 29

Every summer, three billion birds of 300 species migrate from northern Africa to Europe and Asia. In the winter, they return to Africa’s warmer shores. The bird’s migration is long and difficult, and some of the animals inevitably die during each trip. However, it is not this twice-a-year journey that poses the greatest risk to these animals. The main threat to the birds’ survival comes from human hunters.

All over the Mediterranean millions of migrating birds are killed for food profit, and sport every year. As a result, bird populations are dropping all over the region. In nations along the Mediterranean, many migratory birds are illegally trapped or shot. In addition to traps, hunters also use electronic calls to catch birds. This tool, which a hunter can operate from a cell phone, mimics bird sounds and is so effective in attracting the animals that in some countries, bird populations have plummeted. Some hunters also use nets to capture birds as they fly close to the sea. The nets are high-going from ground level to just over 3 meters – and invisible to the birds, allowing hunters to trap hundred birds at a time.

Countries all over the Mediterranean are aware that bird populations are susceptible, and many are working to address this problem by making migratory hunting illegal in some countries or strictly controlling it in others. More nature-protection groups are also making sure that laws are obeyed. The organization WWF Italy, for example, works with volunteers to stop poachers and destroy birdsong devices that attract birds.

Câu 1. What is the passage mainly about?

A. problems caused by migrating birds

B. how birds are being hunted worldwide

C. how tourism is causing a drop in bird population

D. dangers to migrating birds in the Mediterranean

Câu 2. The purpose of the first paragraph is to describe    .

A. how many birds travel large distances to and from Africa

B. why some birds migrate while others do not

C. why bird numbers are starting to drop in the Mediterranean

D. how some migrating birds cannot endure the journeys

Câu 3. What is the biggest danger to migrating birds?

A. crossing the Sahara Desert

B. lack of food

C. being hunted by humans

D. storms in the Mediterranean

Câu 4. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a way of attracting and catching birds?

A. traps

B. food offering

C. nets       

D. bird calls

Câu 5. The word “susceptible” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to         .

A. rescued

B. vulnerable

C. crowded 

D. preserved

PASSAGE 30

ROGUE WAVES

Rogue waves are extremely large waves that are more than double the average height of most waves. According to mathematical calculations and various personal accounts, rogue waves can reach remarkable heights. They appear unexpectedly in calm waters and can do major damage, even to large ships. Unlike tsunamis, which are practically undetectable in deep water, rogue waves only occur far out at sea. Stories about rogue waves have circulated amongst sailors for centuries, but it was not until recently that scientists confirmed they actually exist. What they still are not sure of, however, is what causes them.

Some instances of rogue waves have been explained by the interactions of normal wave patterns with ocean currents. Scientists believe that it is possible for waves to reach the heights described when they come into contact with strong ocean currents. The wave heights increase significantly when a normal wave reaches a current head on. In other words, the wave is built up by the power of the current. This explanation was first proposed after scientists observed a high incidence of rogue waves in the ocean surrounding the southern tip of Africa. In fact, since 1990, at least twenty ships have encountered the waves, which reportedly reached up to 190 feet. The waves are thought to be caused by wave interactions with the strong Agulhas Current, which runs southbound along the east coast of the continent.

Ocean currents may be responsible for rogue waves in some parts of the world, but scientists have confirmed their existence even in areas that are not affected by strong currents. In those cases, scientists think that the waves are caused by wave reinforcement. Wave reinforcement is when two or more waves join together to form one massive wave. When the waves are joined, each height is added to the others. For example, if a ten-foot wave comes into contact with a fifteen-foot wave, the resulting wave will be twenty-five feet tall. According to some evidence, it is possible that many waves can join together, which would create rogue waves. Scientists still do not understand which circumstances cause wave reinforcement, but many propose that the reason rogue waves appear suddenly is because they are formed by multiple smaller waves randomly.

Câu 1. The passage mainly discusses .

A. the theories of how rogue waves are formed

B. instances of rogue waves that have been explained

C. the increasingly high waves

D. the circumstances causing wave reinforcement

Câu 2. Why does the author mention tsunamis?

A. To explain why rogue waves cannot be predicted

B. To describe the similar mechanism that causes rogue waves

C. To note that rogue waves and tsunamis are unrelated

D. To show that rogue waves are comparable to tsunamis

Câu 3. Which of the following is NOT true, according to the passage?

A. Rogue waves can appear unexpectedly in calm

B. Scientists confirmed that rogue waves actually exist only

C. Rogue waves and tsunamis are mostly undetectable in deep

D. Rogue waves can reach remarkable

Câu 4. The author uses the Agulhas Current as an example of    .

A. how currents become stronger through their contact with ocean waves

B. how multiple waves are built up by ocean currents

C. a current that flows in the northern region of Africa

D. a current that does not affect the wave height in the region

Câu 5. The phrase “come into contact with” in the second paragraph mostly means        A. come in

B. enter

C. meet      

D. make up

Câu 6. The author discusses wave reinforcement in order to      .

A. propose another theory for what causes rogue waves

B. suggest that ocean currents cannot be responsible for rogue waves

C. demonstrate how rogue waves are created closer to land

D. explain how multiple waves are able to interact at sea

Câu 7. The word “which” in the third paragraph refers to          .

A. some evidence

B. many waves joining together

B. creating rogue waves

D. wave reinforcement

Câu 8. Which of the following is given definition in the passage?

A. Rogue waves

B. Personal accounts

C. Wave patterns  

D. Ocean currents

PASSAGE 31

The walnut tree produces wood that is used for countless purposes, and is considered the finest wood in the world. The wood is easy to work with, yet it is very hard and durable—and when it is polished, it produces a rich, dark luster. It also shrinks and swells less than any other wood, which makes it especially desirable for fine furniture, flooring, and even gun stocks.

In fact, just about every part of the walnut is unusually hard and strong. The nut of the tree is encased inside a very hard shell, which itself is enclosed in a leathery outer covering called a husk. It requires real effort to break through those layers to get at the tasty meat inside.

Yet every part of the walnut is useful to people. The outer husk produces a dark reddish stain that is hard to remove from the hands of the person, who opens the nut, and this pigment is widely used in dyes and wood stains. The inner shell is used as an abrasive to clean jet engines. And the meat of the nut is extensively used in cooking, ice cream, flavorings—and just eaten raw.

Walnut trees exude a chemical into the soil near their roots which can be poisonous to some trees and shrubs. Fruit trees, for example, will not survive if planted too close to a walnut. Many other plants, such as maple trees or ivy, are not affected by the walnut’s presence, and are well-suited to grow in its vicinity.

Câu 1. The underlined word “It” in the first paragraph refers to .

A. walnut tree

B. walnut wood

C. furniture 

D. flooring

Câu 2. The walnut tree is believed to produce        .

A. the best wood in the world

B. the most delicious meat for cooking

C. poisonous roots for people

D. some plants such as maple trees or ivy

Câu 3. As used in the passage, the underlined word “pigment” most nearly means .

A. colour

B. meat

C. fruit

D. fragrance

Câu 4. The author of the passage probably believes that   .

A. walnut trees are endangered.

B. people should recycle more.

C. people should grow walnut trees if possible.

D. maple trees are not good for furniture making.

Câu 5. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Trees are used for many things.

B. Maple trees grow well with walnuts.

C. Walnuts can kill other trees.

D. Walnut trees are valuable when planted correctly.

 

PASSAGE 32

The Sahara Desert is the world’s largest hot desert. The Sahara is in North Africa and is as large as the United States. Many people think that an area like this has no animals or plant life, but they are incorrect. In fact, the Sahara Desert has many different ‘ecoregions’. Each ecoregion ha different plants and animals living there. The biggest ecoregion is called ‘Sahara Desert ecoregion’. In this area, the climate is extremely dry and extremely hot. The landscape is sandy and dusty with many high dunes.

Because the Sahara Desert ecoregion is so hot and dry, there are very few plants and animals. Scientists estimate that there are only 500 species of plants. This is not very much when thinking of how enormous the region is. These plants include acacia trees, plants, spiny shrubs, and grasses. The Sahara is also home to 70 species of mammals. Twenty of these are large mammals. Thre are about 90 species of birds and around 100 reptiles.

The biggest threat to plants and animals in this environment is drying up. Because of this, plants have ability to recover their health after their leaves have dried out completely. Animals can lose 30-60% of their body mass and still survive. Most animals do not get their water from drinking like other ecosystem. Instead, they have adapted to get their water through metabolic processes. This is why they can survive in a place like Sahara Desert ecosystem.

Câu 1. What is the text mostly about?

A. Location of the Sahara desert.

B. Hot weather of the Sahara Desert.

C. How animals survive on this Desert.

D. The Sahara Desert and its ecosystem.

Câu 2. Which of the following is TRUE?

A. The Sahara Desert has no animals or plants.

B. It is the second largest desert.

C. It is in North Africa.

D. It is in the United States.

Câu 3. In paragraph 1, the word they refers to       

A. people

B. plants

C. animals  

D. ecoregions

Câu 4. In paragraph 2, the word estimate is closest in meaning to      

A. confirm

B. calculate

C. formulate

D. participate

Câu 5. All of the following are true about the Sahara Desert EXCEPT         

A. there are abot five hundred types of plants.

B. seventy species of mammals can be found there

C. it is home to about ninety species of birds

D. fewewr than 100 reptiles are found there

Câu 6. Why can animals and plants survive in the Sahara Desert?

A. They try to reduce the water intake.

B. They get water from the irrigation system.

C. They get water through metabolic process.

D. They don’t really need water for a long time.

PASSAGE 33

Amphibians are an animal group includes frogs, toads, salamanders and newts. The animals live in and out of the water. The number of amphibians on our planet is declining rapidly in both local mass extinctions and population crashes. This is a cause ofr concern as many scientists believe that humans are responsible.

Since the 1980s, scientists have noticed a decline in amphibian populations. Although many animals are affected by humans, amphibians have been hit particularly hard. Some scientists believe this is because of their two-stage life cycle. Unlike most animals, amphibians live their lives in two distinct stages. The first is aquatic and the second is terrestrial. This means amphibians are sensitive to environmental changes in the water and on land. They also have permeable skin, which means that toxins and chemicals can easily get into their bodies.

At first, some scientists did not believe that human pollution was the cause for changes in amphibian populations. These scientists believed that every species on Earth goes through natural cycles and changes and that there was not enough long-term data to prove that humans were the problem. In recent years, this has changed. Almost all biologists are concerned about the decline in amphibian populations. They are worried not only because many amphibians may go extinct, but also because these extinctions will affect other plants and animals in ecosystems. They believe that the decline in amphibian populations is a warning to humans to stop polluting and clean up Earth.

Câu 1. Which title best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

A. Endangered reptiles

B. Endangered amphibians

C. Amphibian life cycle

D. Amphibians and reptiles

Câu 2. According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?

A. The number of amphibians is decreasing

B. The number of amphibians is

C. The number of amphibians is going

D. The number of amphibians staying

Câu 3. In paragraph 2, the word noticed is closest in meaning to        

A. studied

B. analysed

C. become aware of       

D. started to work on

Câu 4. In paragraph 2, the word they refers to       

A. scientists

B. humans

C. animals

D. amphibians

Câu 5. According the passage, which of the following is TRUE about amphibians?

A. First they live on land, then in the water.

B. First they live in the water, then on land.

C. They mainly live in water.

D. They mainly live on land.

Câu 6. In paragraph 2, the word toxins is closest in meaning to          

A. poisonous substances

B. tonic subtances

C. essential minerals

D. essential vitamins

Câu 7. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Amphibians contribute greatly to

B. All amphibians will go extinct in the near

C. A clean environment may help to protect amphibians from

D. Protecting amphibians is the responsibility of all people on