PASSAGE 1

Read the passages and choose the best answer for each question
Although noise, commonly defined as unwanted sound, is a widely recognized form of pollution, it is very
difficult to measure because the discomfort experienced by different individuals is highly subjective and,
therefore, variable. Exposure to lower levels of noise may be slightly irritating, whereas exposure to higher
levels may actually cause hearing loss. Particularly in congested urban areas, the noise produced as a by
product of our advancing technology causes physical and psychological harm, and distracts from the
quality of life for those who are exposed to it.
Unlike the eyes, which can be covered by eyelids against strong light, the ear has no lid, and is, therefore,
always open and vulnerable; noise penetrates without protection.
Noise causes effects that the hearer cannot control and to which the body never becomes accustomed.
Loud noises instinctively signal danger to any organism with a hearing mechanism, including human
beings. In response, heartbeat and respiration accelerate, blood vessels constrict, the skin pales, and
muscles tense. In fact, there is a general increase in functioning brought about by the flow of adrenaline
released in response to fear, and some of these responses persist even longer than the noise, occasionally
as long as thirty minutes after the sound has ceased.
Because noise is unavoidable in a complex, industrial society, we are constantly responding in a same way
that we would response to danger. Recently, researchers have concluded that noise and our response may
be much more than an annoyance. It may be a serious threat to physical and psychological health and well
being, causing damage not only to the ear and brain but also to the heart and stomach. We have long
known that hearing loss is America’s number one nonfatal health problem, but now we are learning that
some of us with heart disease and ulcers may be victims of health as well. Fetuses exposed to noise tend
to be overactive, they cry easily, and they are more sensitive to gastrointestinal problems after birth. In
addition, the psychic effect of noise is very important. Nervousness, irritability, tension, and anxiety
increase, affecting the quality of rest during sleep, and the efficiency of activities during walking hours, as
well as the way that we interact with each other.
Question 1. Which of the following is the author’s main point?
A. Noise may pose a serious threat to our physical and psychological health.
B. Loud noises signal danger.
C. Hearing loss is America’s number one nonfatal health problem.
D. The ear is not like the eye.
Question 2. According to the passage, what is noise?
A. Unwanted sound B. A by-product of technology C. Physical and
psychological harm D. Congestion
Question 3. Why is noise difficult to measure?
A. It causes hearing loss.
B. All people do not respond to it in the same way.
C. It is unwanted.
D. People become accustomed to it.
Question 4. The word congested in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by
A. hazardous B. polluted C. crowded D. rushed
Question 5. The word “by-product” as used in the passage is closest in meaning to
 A. a necessary product B. a product that is always by your side C. an unexpected result D. something that is
produced by environmental pollution Question 6. It can be inferred from the passage that the eye
A. responds to fear B. enjoys greater protection than the ear C. increases functions D. is
damaged by noise
Question 7. According to the passage, people respond to loud noise in the same way that they respond
to A. annoyance B. disease C. damage D. danger Question 8. The word accelerate in paragraph 3 is
closest in meaning to
A. decrease B. alter C. increase D. release Question 9. The word it in the first
paragraph refers to
A. the noise B. the quality of life C. advancing technology D. a by-product Question 10.
With which of the following statements would the author most probably agree? A. Noise is
sometimes annoying.
B. Noise is America’s number one problem.
C. Noise is an unavoidable problem in an industrial society.
D. Noise is a complex problem.

(Dạng 7 câu hỏi) Passage 1: A child is an individual and different

from all others.

A child is an individual and different from all others. The way a child learns best depends on many factors: age,
learning style and personality. A baby or infant learns about the world through the senses. From about two until
seven years old a child starts to develop the ability to reason and think, but is still self-centred. After the age of
about seven a child usually becomes less self-centred and can look outside themselves. By the age of 12 most
children can reason and test out their ideas about the world. So with younger children we need to personalise and
give examples which relate to themselves, whereas older children need help to make sense of the world around
them. Besides, children must be at the right stage of learning. For example, younger children are ready to learn
about numbers, colours and shapes but are not ready for abstract grammatical rules

Children are also different in their favorite types of interaction. Some children are outgoing and sociable and
can learn a language quickly because they want to communicate. They are not worried about making
mistakes. Other children are quieter and more reflective. They learn by listening and
observing what is happening. They don’t like to make mistakes and will wait until they are sure. If a child is
outgoing they may prefer learning in groups with other children, whereas a quieter child may need more
private, quiet time to feel more secure about learning a language. A bedtime story in English could be an
opportunity to provide this quiet time.

For a child to be motivated, learning needs to be fun and stress-free. Encourage them to follow their own
interests and personal likes. For example, if a child likes football, he or she will probably like to read a story
about football even if the level is a little difficult. Interest and motivation often allow children to cope with
more difficult languages. Try to provide them with as many fun activities as you can for learning English.
Songs and music, videos and DVDs, and all sorts of games are motivating children.

Question 1: What is the main topic of this passage?

A. What parents should do to help their children?

B. How children learn English as a foreign language?

C. The importance of age, interaction and motivation

D. Child differences and how to motivate them to learn

Question 2: According to the passage, why should we teach young children numbers not grammar? A.

Because they can cannot understand abstract rules.

B. To suit their different learning styles and personalities.

C. As they are ready to learn about colours and shapes.

D. For the sake of the teacher and young learners.

Question 3: According to the passage, at what age can most children have their own viewpoints? A. 1-

2 B. 3-6 C. 7-11 D. 12-14

Question 4: According to the passage, in comparison with quiet learners, outgoing learners . A.

can learn a language more quickly B. make much more mistakes

C. prefer speaking to reading D. are not sure of their talks

Question 5: According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE about reflective leaners? A.

They are unfriendly. B. They are good listeners.

C. They don’t make mistakes. D. Pair-work may not suit them.

Question 6: What can be inferred about children’s motivation?

A. It helps them overcome difficulty.

B. It is interesting and personal.

C. It is related to sports and books.

D. It makes a difficult language easy.

Question 7: What does the author imply about children’s interests?

A. They are fun and stress-free.

B. They include songs, videos and games.

C. They help to motivate children.

D. They provide fun activities for learning.