PRONUNCIATION

STRESS

STRESS

He’s American, _______?

A. won’t he                 B. didn’t he                 C. doesn’t he              D. isn’t he

The flood victims _______ with food and clean water by the volunteers.

A. provided                 B.were provided                     C. were providing       D. provide

_______ it is, the more uncomfortable we feel.

A. Hotter             B. The hotter               C. Hottest             D. The hottest

At first sight I met my new classmate, I was impressed with her______ eyes.

We_______our PowerPoint presentation on the theme: "UNESCO World Heritage Sites" when the computer broke down.

A. were giving             B. gave            C. give                 D. are giving

Before each game, the coach would give the team a ________ talk to keep the spirit up.

A. motivator          B. motivation          C. motivational         D. motivate

Her eyes are red and puffy ______ she has been crying a lot.

      A. although          B. because of                C. because                    D. despite

She will call you to confirm _______.

_______ around on the meadow all day, the sheep were tired.

A. Having run             B. Being run                C. To run           D. Ran

As the season turns from spring to summer, some people feel a bit under the _______ and can’t concentrate fully on their work.

A. storm                 B.weather        C. climate           D. rain

Someone who is _______ is hopeful about the future or the success of something in particular.

Before the interview, you have to send a letter of _______ and your résumé to the company.

CLOSEST in meaning

Dozens of valuable works of art disappeared during shipment to the US.

CLOSEST in meaning

In the United States, elementary education is mandatory nationwide, with state governments having no say on the issue.

OPPOSITE IN MEANING

She decided to remain celibateand devote her life to helping the homeless and orphans.

OPPOSITE in meaning

I think you will be home and dry in the interview because you have many years of teaching experience and good academic qualifications.

Question 1:     A. moved                 B. arrived                 C. lived                         D. stayed

ĐỌC ĐIỀN

     Born to a Spanish mother and a Czech father, Manolo Blahnik grew up in the Canary Islands near north Africa. In his twenties, he (1) _______ to New York City and began to design shoes for women. Today, his high heels (often called “Manolos”) are known around the world. “Women love my shoes,” says Blahnik. “(2) _______ people never take them off.”.

     Why are his shoes so popular? Yes, they’re beautiful. On the other hand, his high heels aren’t always particularly comfortable. They’re also (3) _______ ; prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Maybe the best answer is this: each pair of Manolos is a work of art - like a painting by Picasso. But aren’t they just shoes? “Yes, only shoes,” says Blahnik. “(4) _______ , if they bring a bit of happiness to someone, then, perhaps, they are something more than shoes.”

     At $30,000 a pair, moon boots aren’t cheap. But to walk in space, you need high- tech shoes - like those (5) _______ were designed by Dave Graziosi. He and his team are making space boots for NASA. “We’re planning for the moon and beyond,” he says.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 1)

Question 2:     A. A lot                    B. Much                   C. Some                        D. Each

ĐỌC ĐIỀN

     Born to a Spanish mother and a Czech father, Manolo Blahnik grew up in the Canary Islands near north Africa. In his twenties, he (1) _______ to New York City and began to design shoes for women. Today, his high heels (often called “Manolos”) are known around the world. “Women love my shoes,” says Blahnik. “(2) _______ people never take them off.”.

     Why are his shoes so popular? Yes, they’re beautiful. On the other hand, his high heels aren’t always particularly comfortable. They’re also (3) _______ ; prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Maybe the best answer is this: each pair of Manolos is a work of art - like a painting by Picasso. But aren’t they just shoes? “Yes, only shoes,” says Blahnik. “(4) _______ , if they bring a bit of happiness to someone, then, perhaps, they are something more than shoes.”

     At $30,000 a pair, moon boots aren’t cheap. But to walk in space, you need high- tech shoes - like those (5) _______ were designed by Dave Graziosi. He and his team are making space boots for NASA. “We’re planning for the moon and beyond,” he says.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 1)

Question 3:     A. priceless               B. costly                   C. valueless                   D. cheap

ĐỌC ĐIỀN

     Born to a Spanish mother and a Czech father, Manolo Blahnik grew up in the Canary Islands near north Africa. In his twenties, he (1) _______ to New York City and began to design shoes for women. Today, his high heels (often called “Manolos”) are known around the world. “Women love my shoes,” says Blahnik. “(2) _______ people never take them off.”.

     Why are his shoes so popular? Yes, they’re beautiful. On the other hand, his high heels aren’t always particularly comfortable. They’re also (3) _______ ; prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Maybe the best answer is this: each pair of Manolos is a work of art - like a painting by Picasso. But aren’t they just shoes? “Yes, only shoes,” says Blahnik. “(4) _______ , if they bring a bit of happiness to someone, then, perhaps, they are something more than shoes.”

     At $30,000 a pair, moon boots aren’t cheap. But to walk in space, you need high- tech shoes - like those (5) _______ were designed by Dave Graziosi. He and his team are making space boots for NASA. “We’re planning for the moon and beyond,” he says.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 1)

ĐỌC ĐIỀN

Question 4:     A. However             B. Although             C. Moreover                 D. In addition

     Born to a Spanish mother and a Czech father, Manolo Blahnik grew up in the Canary Islands near north Africa. In his twenties, he (1) _______ to New York City and began to design shoes for women. Today, his high heels (often called “Manolos”) are known around the world. “Women love my shoes,” says Blahnik. “(2) _______ people never take them off.”.

     Why are his shoes so popular? Yes, they’re beautiful. On the other hand, his high heels aren’t always particularly comfortable. They’re also (3) _______ ; prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Maybe the best answer is this: each pair of Manolos is a work of art - like a painting by Picasso. But aren’t they just shoes? “Yes, only shoes,” says Blahnik. “(4) _______ , if they bring a bit of happiness to someone, then, perhaps, they are something more than shoes.”

     At $30,000 a pair, moon boots aren’t cheap. But to walk in space, you need high- tech shoes - like those (5) _______ were designed by Dave Graziosi. He and his team are making space boots for NASA. “We’re planning for the moon and beyond,” he says.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 1)

Question 5:     A. where                  B. whom                  C. who                          D. which

ĐỌC ĐIỀN

     Born to a Spanish mother and a Czech father, Manolo Blahnik grew up in the Canary Islands near north Africa. In his twenties, he (1) _______ to New York City and began to design shoes for women. Today, his high heels (often called “Manolos”) are known around the world. “Women love my shoes,” says Blahnik. “(2) _______ people never take them off.”.

     Why are his shoes so popular? Yes, they’re beautiful. On the other hand, his high heels aren’t always particularly comfortable. They’re also (3) _______ ; prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Maybe the best answer is this: each pair of Manolos is a work of art - like a painting by Picasso. But aren’t they just shoes? “Yes, only shoes,” says Blahnik. “(4) _______ , if they bring a bit of happiness to someone, then, perhaps, they are something more than shoes.”

     At $30,000 a pair, moon boots aren’t cheap. But to walk in space, you need high- tech shoes - like those (5) _______ were designed by Dave Graziosi. He and his team are making space boots for NASA. “We’re planning for the moon and beyond,” he says.

(Adapted from Reading Explorer 1)

Tim is talking to Peter, his new classmate, in the classroom.

- Tim: “How far is it from your house to school, Peter?”

- Peter: “_______.”

Jack and David are talking about taking a gap year.

- Jack: “I think taking a gap year is a waste of time.”

- David: “_______. It gives gap-year takers a lot of valuable experiences.”

ERROR IDENTIFICATION

Yesterday morning, Joe arrives late for school for the first time.

ERROR IDENTIFICATION

Sarah was not the best (A) speaker in the class, but her personality and ability (B) to convey his (C) feelings helped her become the most requested. (D)

ERROR IDENTIFICATION

It is said (A) that these (B) good life skills will make young people become (C) more confidential. (D)

He last ate Chinese food two months ago.

It isn’t necessary for us to discuss this matter in great detail.

The boss scolded Laura for that minor mistake. He now feels really bad about it.

'' Where did you go last night''? she said to her boyfriend.

What could be the best title for the passage?

A. From Mobile Devices to Ballpoint Pens

B. From a Luxury Item to an Everyday Object

C. Ballpoint Pen’s New Design - For Better or Worse?

D. Biros - A Business Model in Britain

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the ‘Bic Cristal’. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practicalwriting instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say ‘Biro’ on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

According to paragraph 1, Marcel Bich was shocked because _______.

A. a cheap pen could be designed with great commercial success

B. a firm was not established to produce high-quality ballpoint pens

C. most people could not afford such a firmly established invention

D.the ballpoint pens available were expensive despite their poor quality.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the ‘Bic Cristal’. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practicalwriting instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say ‘Biro’ on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, whichhad worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

The word “practical” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to _______.

A. accurate                  B. traditional               C. sharp           D. useful

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the ‘Bic Cristal’. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practicalwriting instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say ‘Biro’ on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

The word “which” in paragraph 4 refers to _______.

A. factories                 B. company                 C. invention                D. range

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the ‘Bic Cristal’. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practicalwriting instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say ‘Biro’ on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as products of Bich’s company?

A. mobile phones        B. lighters            C. pencils             D. razors

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the ‘Bic Cristal’. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practicalwriting instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say ‘Biro’ on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, whichhad worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.