READING DE 2020 ( COMPREHENSION)

More and more people are choosing to take a gap year between finishing school and starting university. Alternatively, they may decide to take a gap year between graduating from university and starting a career feeling the need for some time out before joining the rat race. Most students see the time as an opportunity to travel. The idea of travelling to as many foreign places as possible appeals greatly. 

      A large percentage of gap-year students have wealthy parents who can easily subsidize their travel. Others have to save up before they go, or look for some form of employment while travelling. For example, they may work on a local farms or in local hotels. By doing so, they not only earn some money, but they are likely to meet local people and acquire some understanding of their culture. 

      There are some students who choose to work for the whole of their gap year. A number may decide to get work experience, either at home or abroad, in an area which they hope to make their career, such as medicine or computers. A large proportion of students are now choosing to work with a charity which arranges voluntary work in various parts of the world. The projects would hands-on experience of a very varied nature, from teaching to helping build roads or dams. 

      The gap year is not just an adventure. Young people can benefit great from encountering new and varied experiences and from communication with a wide rage of people. Perhaps most importantly, gap year students have to learn to stand on their own two feet. 

(Adapted from Thematic Vocabulary & Comprehension by Betty Kirkpatrick and Rebecca Mok)

Question 31: What could be the best title for the passage? 

                                                          

                                             

• A. Working for life      

• B. Taking time out

• C. Studying of overseas 

• D. Contributing to the Community

More and more people are choosing to take a gap year between finishing school and starting university. Alternatively, they may decide to take a gap year between graduating from university and starting a career feeling the need for some time out before joining the rat race. Most students see the time as an opportunity to travel. The idea of travelling to as many foreign places as possible appeals greatly. 

      A large percentage of gap-year students have wealthy parents who can easily subsidize their travel. Others have to save up before they go, or look for some form of employment while travelling. For example, they may work on a local farms or in local hotels. By doing so, they not only earn some money, but they are likely to meet local people and acquire some understanding of their culture. 

      There are some students who choose to work for the whole of their gap year. A number may decide to get work experience, either at home or abroad, in an area which they hope to make their career, such as medicine or computers. A large proportion of students are now choosing to work with a charity which arranges voluntary work in various parts of the world. The projects would hands-on experience of a very varied nature, from teaching to helping build roads or dams. 

      The gap year is not just an adventure. Young people can benefit great from encountering new and varied experiences and from communication with a wide rage of people. Perhaps most importantly, gap year students have to learn to stand on their own two feet. 

(Adapted from Thematic Vocabulary & Comprehension by Betty Kirkpatrick and Rebecca Mok)

Question 32: The word "subsidize" in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ________.

                                                                                 

• A. ask for 

• B. pay for   

• C. work for   

• D. apply for

 

More and more people are choosing to take a gap year between finishing school and starting university. Alternatively, they may decide to take a gap year between graduating from university and starting a career feeling the need for some time out before joining the rat race. Most students see the time as an opportunity to travel. The idea of travelling to as many foreign places as possible appeals greatly. 

      A large percentage of gap-year students have wealthy parents who can easily subsidize their travel. Others have to save up before they go, or look for some form of employment while travelling. For example, they may work on a local farms or in local hotels. By doing so, they not only earn some money, but they are likely to meet local people and acquire some understanding of their culture. 

      There are some students who choose to work for the whole of their gap year. A number may decide to get work experience, either at home or abroad, in an area which they hope to make their career, such as medicine or computers. A large proportion of students are now choosing to work with a charity which arranges voluntary work in various parts of the world. The projects would hands-on experience of a very varied nature, from teaching to helping build roads or dams. 

      The gap year is not just an adventure. Young people can benefit great from encountering new and varied experiences and from communication with a wide rage of people. Perhaps most importantly, gap year students have to learn to stand on their own two feet. 

(Adapted from Thematic Vocabulary & Comprehension by Betty Kirkpatrick and Rebecca Mok)

Question 33: The word "their" in paragraph 2 refers to ________. 

                                                                  

                                                  

• A. local farms      

• B. local hotels

•     C. local people                 

• D. gap-year students

More and more people are choosing to take a gap year between finishing school and starting university. Alternatively, they may decide to take a gap year between graduating from university and starting a career feeling the need for some time out before joining the rat race. Most students see the time as an opportunity to travel. The idea of travelling to as many foreign places as possible appeals greatly. 

      A large percentage of gap-year students have wealthy parents who can easily subsidize their travel. Others have to save up before they go, or look for some form of employment while travelling. For example, they may work on a local farms or in local hotels. By doing so, they not only earn some money, but they are likely to meet local people and acquire some understanding of their culture. 

      There are some students who choose to work for the whole of their gap year. A number may decide to get work experience, either at home or abroad, in an area which they hope to make their career, such as medicine or computers. A large proportion of students are now choosing to work with a charity which arranges voluntary work in various parts of the world. The projects would hands-on experience of a very varied nature, from teaching to helping build roads or dams. 

      The gap year is not just an adventure. Young people can benefit great from encountering new and varied experiences and from communication with a wide rage of people. Perhaps most importantly, gap year students have to learn to stand on their own two feet. 

(Adapted from Thematic Vocabulary & Comprehension by Betty Kirkpatrick and Rebecca Mok)

Question 34: According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE? 

    

  

  

     

•   A. The number of students taking a gap yare between high school and university is falling.

•     B. None of the students choose to work for the whole of their gap year to get experience.

•     C. Most students consider a gap year as a chance to travel. 

• D. Students can take a gap year only before starting university.

More and more people are choosing to take a gap year between finishing school and starting university. Alternatively, they may decide to take a gap year between graduating from university and starting a career feeling the need for some time out before joining the rat race. Most students see the time as an opportunity to travel. The idea of travelling to as many foreign places as possible appeals greatly. 

      A large percentage of gap-year students have wealthy parents who can easily subsidize their travel. Others have to save up before they go, or look for some form of employment while travelling. For example, they may work on a local farms or in local hotels. By doing so, they not only earn some money, but they are likely to meet local people and acquire some understanding of their culture. 

      There are some students who choose to work for the whole of their gap year. A number may decide to get work experience, either at home or abroad, in an area which they hope to make their career, such as medicine or computers. A large proportion of students are now choosing to work with a charity which arranges voluntary work in various parts of the world. The projects would hands-on experience of a very varied nature, from teaching to helping build roads or dams. 

      The gap year is not just an adventure. Young people can benefit great from encountering new and varied experiences and from communication with a wide rage of people. Perhaps most importantly, gap year students have to learn to stand on their own two feet. 

Question 35: According to the passage, what is perhaps the most important benefit of students' taking a gap year? 

  

   

    

•       A. They learn how to become independent.

•     B. They receive practical training for their future careers.

•    C. They have an opportunity to meet local people. 

•   D. They earn money to support their further studies.

For many years, schoolchildren in the US have been taken on 'field trips' to cultural institutions and historical sites. Despite these trips involving some expense and disruption to class timetables, educators arrange them in the belief that schools exist not only to teach economically useful skills, but also to produce civilized young people who appreciate the arts and culture. 

      However, there have been increasing signs in recent years that the attitude towards field trips is changing, with a significant decrease in the number of tours organized for school groups. A survey carried out by a group of school administrators found that over half the schools they asked had decided to cancel trips planned for the next academic year. 

      So what are the reasons for this change? The most obvious one is the issue of finance. Because there are increasing demands on their funds, schools are forced to make a difficult choice about how to spend the limited money they have. Field trips are an obvious thing to cut since they are seen by many as a luxury. A large number of school heads also consider days spent away from school a waste of time, believing that the only worthwhile use of students' time is spent preparing for exams in the classroom. 

      But why should anybody worry if schoolchildren go on fewer trips? Those that believe this is a negative development in education would say that cultural field trips contribute to the development of students into well - educated adults who have a healthy interest in history and the arts. Researchers warn that if schools cut field trips, then valuable opportunities to broaden and enrich children's learning experiences are lost. 

(Adapted from Exam Booster by Helen Chilton, Sheila Dignen, Mark Fountain and Frances Treloar)

Question 31: What is the passage mainly about? 

                    

                           

• A. Positive changes in American schools     

•      B. Valuable academic learning experiences

•    C. Field trips for schoolchildren           

•     D. New trends in educational development 

For many years, schoolchildren in the US have been taken on 'field trips' to cultural institutions and historical sites. Despite these trips involving some expense and disruption to class timetables, educators arrange them in the belief that schools exist not only to teach economically useful skills, but also to produce civilized young people who appreciate the arts and culture. 

      However, there have been increasing signs in recent years that the attitude towards field trips is changing, with a significant decrease in the number of tours organized for school groups. A survey carried out by a group of school administrators found that over half the schools they asked had decided to cancel trips planned for the next academic year. 

      So what are the reasons for this change? The most obvious one is the issue of finance. Because there are increasing demands on their funds, schools are forced to make a difficult choice about how to spend the limited money they have. Field trips are an obvious thing to cut since they are seen by many as a luxury. A large number of school heads also consider days spent away from school a waste of time, believing that the only worthwhile use of students' time is spent preparing for exams in the classroom. 

      But why should anybody worry if schoolchildren go on fewer trips? Those that believe this is a negative development in education would say that cultural field trips contribute to the development of students into well - educated adults who have a healthy interest in history and the arts. Researchers warn that if schools cut field trips, then valuable opportunities to broaden and enrich children's learning experiences are lost. 

(Adapted from Exam Booster by Helen Chilton, Sheila Dignen, Mark Fountain and Frances Treloar)

Question 32: According to paragraph 1, educators believe that through field trips, children can ______

                                       

                               

• A. enjoy their time at school        

•   B. practice some outdoor activities

• C. learn to value the arts and culture    

•   D. develop economically useful skills only

For many years, schoolchildren in the US have been taken on 'field trips' to cultural institutions and historical sites. Despite these trips involving some expense and disruption to class timetables, educators arrange them in the belief that schools exist not only to teach economically useful skills, but also to produce civilized young people who appreciate the arts and culture. 

      However, there have been increasing signs in recent years that the attitude towards field trips is changing, with a significant decrease in the number of tours organized for school groups. A survey carried out by a group of school administrators found that over half the schools they asked had decided to cancel trips planned for the next academic year. 

      So what are the reasons for this change? The most obvious one is the issue of finance. Because there are increasing demands on their funds, schools are forced to make a difficult choice about how to spend the limited money they have. Field trips are an obvious thing to cut since they are seen by many as a luxury. A large number of school heads also consider days spent away from school a waste of time, believing that the only worthwhile use of students' time is spent preparing for exams in the classroom. 

      But why should anybody worry if schoolchildren go on fewer trips? Those that believe this is a negative development in education would say that cultural field trips contribute to the development of students into well - educated adults who have a healthy interest in history and the arts. Researchers warn that if schools cut field trips, then valuable opportunities to broaden and enrich children's learning experiences are lost. 

(Adapted from Exam Booster by Helen Chilton, Sheila Dignen, Mark Fountain and Frances Treloar)

Question 33: The word “they" in paragraph 2 refers to ________. 

                                                                      

                                                       

•    A. field trips 

•   B. the schools 

•       C. school groups    

•     D. school administrators 

For many years, schoolchildren in the US have been taken on 'field trips' to cultural institutions and historical sites. Despite these trips involving some expense and disruption to class timetables, educators arrange them in the belief that schools exist not only to teach economically useful skills, but also to produce civilized young people who appreciate the arts and culture. 

      However, there have been increasing signs in recent years that the attitude towards field trips is changing, with a significant decrease in the number of tours organized for school groups. A survey carried out by a group of school administrators found that over half the schools they asked had decided to cancel trips planned for the next academic year. 

      So what are the reasons for this change? The most obvious one is the issue of finance. Because there are increasing demands on their funds, schools are forced to make a difficult choice about how to spend the limited money they have. Field trips are an obvious thing to cut since they are seen by many as a luxury. A large number of school heads also consider days spent away from school a waste of time, believing that the only worthwhile use of students' time is spent preparing for exams in the classroom. 

      But why should anybody worry if schoolchildren go on fewer trips? Those that believe this is a negative development in education would say that cultural field trips contribute to the development of students into well - educated adults who have a healthy interest in history and the arts. Researchers warn that if schools cut field trips, then valuable opportunities to broaden and enrich children's learning experiences are lost. 

(Adapted from Exam Booster by Helen Chilton, Sheila Dignen, Mark Fountain and Frances Treloar)Question 34: The phrase "a luxury" in paragraph 3 mostly describes something which is _______

                                          

                                                        

•     A. difficult and important   

•      B. expensive but not essential 

• C. new and common   

•    D. cheap but comfortable

For many years, schoolchildren in the US have been taken on 'field trips' to cultural institutions and historical sites. Despite these trips involving some expense and disruption to class timetables, educators arrange them in the belief that schools exist not only to teach economically useful skills, but also to produce civilized young people who appreciate the arts and culture. 

      However, there have been increasing signs in recent years that the attitude towards field trips is changing, with a significant decrease in the number of tours organized for school groups. A survey carried out by a group of school administrators found that over half the schools they asked had decided to cancel trips planned for the next academic year. 

      So what are the reasons for this change? The most obvious one is the issue of finance. Because there are increasing demands on their funds, schools are forced to make a difficult choice about how to spend the limited money they have. Field trips are an obvious thing to cut since they are seen by many as a luxury. A large number of school heads also consider days spent away from school a waste of time, believing that the only worthwhile use of students' time is spent preparing for exams in the classroom. 

      But why should anybody worry if schoolchildren go on fewer trips? Those that believe this is a negative development in education would say that cultural field trips contribute to the development of students into well - educated adults who have a healthy interest in history and the arts. Researchers warn that if schools cut field trips, then valuable opportunities to broaden and enrich children's learning experiences are lost. 

(Adapted from Exam Booster by Helen Chilton, Sheila Dignen, Mark Fountain and Frances Treloar)

Question 35: According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE? 

     

     

    

• A. Schools no longer have to pay for their student's field trips.

• B. Most school heads find it not worthwhile for students to spend time preparing for exams.

•   C. The number of field trips organized for school groups is growing.

•    D. Cutting field trips may mean fewer opportunities for students' cultural learning.