chronicle
chandelier
brochure
chivalry
Choose the word whose underlined part differs from the other three in pronunciation.
production
propaganda
promotion
proceed
Choose the word whose underlined part differs from the other three in pronunciation.
aged
blessed
pleased
crooked
Choose the word that differs from the rest in the position of the main stress.
Choose the word that differs from the rest in the position of the main stress.
I often wish I could afford to work less, _____ people, I suspect.
Many students _____ night after night to prepare for their coming exams.
Most teenagers go through a rebellious _____ for a few years but they soon grow out of it.
It was getting _____ dark so we decided to head for home.
If only people in our grandparents’ generation _____ the opportunities that we take for granted nowadays.
Although she had never used a word processor before, she soon got the ______ of it.
This film is _____ released at the end of next year.
You _____ come out to the airport to meet me. I could have taken a bus.
Think of ONE word which can be used appropriately in all three sentences.
We managed to get home early as the traffic was _____.
Hazel's _____ green jumper matched her eyes.
After a _____ supper, they retire to bed.
Answer:
Think of ONE word which can be used appropriately in all three sentences.
At the end of the talent show, the judges will _____ the three best contestants who will proceed to the next round of the competition.
It is now against the law to _____ wild flowers in the National Park?
Graham was in a bad mood and was ready to _____ a fight with anyone who disagreed with him.
Answer:
Think of ONE word which can be used appropriately in all three sentences.
Our holiday was, for the most _____, thoroughly enjoyable, despite one or two problems.
I accept that it was foolish on my _____ to get involved in something so risky.
Ambition and determination are _____ and parcel of success.
Answer:
Complete each sentence using a suitable verb form in line A with a preposition in line B to make a phrasal verb. (You can use prepositions more than once.)
A: [ have | lay | knock | commit | come | pull | get | refrain | dabble ]
B: [ down | on | to | out | into | from | in ]
I don't believe you. You're me .
It is quite clearly that only amateurs can take part.
I'd just like to consult my father before I myself a decision.
She quite a lot of money when her adoptive father passed away.
Becca had to of the race when she sprained her ankle.
Learning English isn't so difficult once you it.
Could you please smoking in the lecture hall?
Roger painting for a while, but recently he has given up.
Supply the correct form of each bracketed word in the passage.
The medieval crusades, when Western European knights and (ADVENTURE) attempted to seize Jerusalem from the hands of the Seljuk Turks, are widely (UNDERSTAND) by most people in the West, who think of them as glamorous and heroic. True, the level of heroism was occasionally (IMPRESS) , but in fact the crusaders were ignorant and (GUIDE) . For example, they viewed the Byzantine Emperor, through whose lands they had to travel, like an annoying (RELEVANT) denying him even so much as a (CONSULT) role in the proceedings. In reality, his long experience of the Saracens had given him a(n) (CONSIDER) knowledge of their fighting methods and politics. His advice had the crusaders chosen to follow it, would have been absolutely (VALUE) . Instead, they (REPEAT) dismissed it as (WORTH) with the result that, despite initial success, the crusades eventually dwindled to ignominious failure.
Read the text and choose the best answer to fill in the blanks.
CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
All plants rely on nutrients taken from the soil in order to survive. However, in areas where the soil does not contain enough vital nutrients, some plants have adapted to their diets from another source: living organisms. Though they are few in number, carnivorous plants are nonetheless fascinating beings that “eat” anything from one-celled organisms to insects in order to survive. They are commonly found in marshlands. Carnivorous plants feature one of several types of “traps” to ensnare prey, which they consume to nutrients that may be missing from the soil. While there are over 400 species of carnivorous plants in the world today, some are more than others.
The most well-known of these plants are the snap traps, which include the Venus flytrap. Snap traps are easily identified by their leaves, which are separated into two lobes that have the ability to fold together. Inside the lobes, the surface is covered with tiny hairs that are to movement. When the plant’s prey brushes against the hairs, it triggers a closing mechanism that rapidly brings the two lobes together, trapping the prey inside. The response of the traps is phenomenal speed: the time between triggering the hairs and snapping shut is less than a second. As the prey struggles inside the trap, it only triggers more hairs, causing the leaves to tighten their .
The plant then secrets liquid chemicals from special glands into the trap to dissolve the prey and absorb all of its nutrients. Besides the Venus flytrap, only one other type of snap trap exists today, referred to as the waterwheel plant. The two share a common ancestor and differ only in a few ways. For instance, the waterwheel is an aquatic plant, while the flytrap is exclusively terrestrial. In addition, the flytrap feeds primarily on arthropods like spiders, while the waterwheel lives simple invertebrates, like certain types of plankton.
Fill each of the following blanks with ONE suitable word.
THE LEGEND OF THE ROOT
Ginseng is one of the great mysteries of the east. Often referred to as the 'elixir of life' its widespread use in oriental medicine has led to many myths and legends building up around this remarkable plant. Ginseng has featured an active ingredient in oriental medical literature for over 5,000 years. Its beneficial effects were, at one time, widely recognized and praised that the root was said to be worth its weight in gold. the long history of ginseng, no one fully knows how it works. The active part of the plant is the root. Its full name is Panax Ginseng - the word Panax, like the word panacea, coming from the Greek for 'all healing'. There is growing interest by western scientists the study of ginseng.
It is today believed that this remarkable plant may beneficial effects in the treatment of many diseases which are difficult to treat with synthetic drugs.
Today, ginseng is longer a myth or a legend. Throughout the world, it is becoming widely recognized that this ancient herb holds the answer to relieving the stresses and ailments of modern living. It is widely used for the treatment of various ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, insomnia, hepatitis and anemia. However, the truth behind ginseng works still remains a mystery. Yet its widespread effectiveness shows that the remarkable properties are more than just a legend.
(Đề đề nghị Olympic 30/4 - THPT Chuyên Bảo Lộc - Lâm Đồng)
Read the following passage, then answer the questions.
Endangered species are a pressing concern in today's world, representing the fragile balance of our ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts. These species face a high risk of extinction due to various factors, primarily human activities and environmental changes. The consequences of losing these species would extend far beyond their Individual existence, impacting the intricate web of life on our planet.
Human activities, such as habitat destruction, poaching, and pollution, are among the primary causes of species endangerment. [A]. Rapid urbanization and expanding agricultural practices often result in the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, leaving species without sufficient space, food, or resources to survive. The relentless pursuit of resources, such as timber, minerals, and oil, further exacerbates the destruction of critical ecosystems that support a diverse array of species.
Poaching remains a significant threat to many endangered species, driven by illegal wildlife trade and the demand for products like ivory, fur, and exotic pets. [B] Moreover, pollution from industrial activities, chemicals, and pesticides contaminates habitats, affecting the health and reproductive capacities of various species.
Environmental changes, including climate change and habitat degradation, pose additional challenges to endangered species. Rising global temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems, making it difficult for species to adapt and survive. Changes in temperature and precipitation can affect breeding patterns, alter migration routes, and disturb the delicate balance between predator and prey. [C]. These environmental shifts contribute to the decline of already vulnerable populations, further pushing them towards extinction.
The consequences of losing endangered species extend beyond their intrinsic value. Each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, contributing to its stability and functioning. Removal of a single species can trigger a domino effect, impacting the entire ecosystem. For example, the decline of pollinators like bees and butterflies affects the reproduction of plants and can lead to reduced agricultural productivity. Predatory species maintain the balance by controlling populations of prey species, preventing overpopulation and ecosystem imbalances.
Legislative measures, public awareness campaigns, and on-ground conservation practices are crucial ones to address the plight of endangered species and protect their habitats. These conservation efforts need actions taken by both the public and the authorities. Governments and international organizations establish protected areas and implement laws to regulate hunting, trade, and habitat destruction. [D]. Additionally, raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the impacts of human activities helps foster a sense of responsibility toward species conservation.
Conservation organizations and researchers work tirelessly to study and monitor endangered species, gather data on population trends, and develop strategies for their protection. They engage in habitat restoration projects, captive breeding programs, and reintroduction efforts to bolster populations and restore balance to ecosystems. Such initiatives often involve collaboration with local communities, engaging them in sustainable practices and promoting their involvement in species conservation.
Public participation is key to ensuring the success of conservation efforts. Individuals can contribute by supporting conservation organizations, volunteering for wildlife surveys and monitoring programs, and making informed choices as consumers. Responsible tourism can also play a significant role in promoting sustainable practices that protect the habitats and well-being of endangered species.
Generally endangered species are a crucial component of our planet's biodiversity, representing the delicate interplay of life on Earth. Human activities and environmental changes pose significant threats to these species, pushing them toward extinction. Protecting endangered species and their habitats requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, researchers, and the public. By recognizing the value of these species and taking proactive measures to conserve them, we can strive towards a more sustainable future that safeguards the diversity and resilience of our planet's ecosystems.
Which of the following could be the best title for the passage?
According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT mentioned as the human activities that badly affect endangered species?
According to the passage, hazardous substances from industry have an effect on _____ of some species.
The word "intrinsic" in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to _____.
The word "ones" in paragraph 6 refers to _____.
In which space (marked [A], [B], [C] and [D] in the passage) will the following sentence fit?
The indiscriminate foraging for these animals disrupts their populations and can push them to the brink of extinction.
The word "bolster" in paragraph 7 is closest in meaning to _____.
According to the passage, individuals can help in species conservation by _____.
Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
You are going to read an article in which four people comment on a book they have read recently. For questions 1-10, choose from the people A-D. The people may be chosen more than once.
A. Sundance by Teresa Wilson
Kerry:
I really don't know why this book is so popular. I mean. I suppose it is going to appeal to young girls who want danger and romance, but I found this book really tedious. For a start, the characters were really unconvincing. The author went out of her way to add lots of details about the characters, but I found these details really pointless. I thought that some of the facts she presented about the main characters would become significant in some way later in the novel, but they didn't. They were just worthless bits of information. I also was disappointed that, although this book is meant to be about kids at high school, the writer seems to have no recollection at all about what it’s like to be 17. The main character thought and acted like a 32-year-old. It just wasn't believable. I'm not saying Teresa Wilson is a bad writer. She can obviously string words together and come up with a story that is appealing to a large number of people, but she lacks anything original. There is no flair. It just uses the same sort of language as you can see in many other mediocre novels.
B. Wild Ways by Margery Emerson
Liz:
I have to say that I won't forget this book for a long time. I was hooked from the very first chapter. The devastating story affected me so much that I don't know if I'll ever feel the same again. I was close to tears on several occasions. I've got images in my brain now that I don't think will ever leave me. It's incredibly well-researched and, although it is fiction, is based on shocking real-life events. I teamed an awful lot about things that went on that I never knew before. Margaret Emerson has a brilliant way with words and I really felt real empathy towards the characters, although I was sometimes irritated by the choices they made. However, the parallel story, the part that is set in the present, is not quite so good. I found myself just flicking through that part so that I could get back to 1940s Paris.
C. Orchid by Henry Rathbone
Imogen:
This is a delightful novel full of wonderful imagery, a paints a remarkable picture of life in a distant time and a far-away place. If you're looking to learn about Eastern culture in great detail, then this is probably not the book for you, as the writer skims over most of the more complicated aspects of the country's etiquette. The historical aspects are also not covered in much depth. However. I wonder whether this was the writer’s intention. By doing this, he symbolises the superficiality of the girl's life. She, like the book, is beautiful and eager to please, but remains too distant from us, the readers, to teach us much. Although I loved the book and read it in one sitting, the ending was a bit of a disappointment. A story which involves so much turmoil, in a place where the future is uncertain, should not have a happy-ever-after fairy-tale ending.
D. High Hills by Mary Holland
Hannah:
I read this book for a literature class. I know it’s a classic, and I did try to like it, but I just didn't get into it. I kept persevering, hoping that I’d start to enjoy it, but no such luck. The famous scene out on the moors was definitely the best bit of the book, but even that I found ridiculous when it is clearly supposed to be passionate. As I approached the end of the book. I figured there must be some kind of moral to the story, something that I would learn from the experience of trudging through seven hundred long pages, but there was nothing worthwhile. I don't know why the literary world sees this book as such a masterpiece. The characters are portrayed as being intelligent, but they do such stupid things! And as for it being a love story - marrying someone you don't love and then being abused by them - that doesn't spell love to me.
Which person read a book which...
was set in an Oriental country
finished in an unrealistic way
had characters that the reader could sympathize with
is well-known and was written a long time ago
contained two stories
was not set in the past
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence. Do NOT change the word given in brackets in any way.
I went to the dentist’s because I couldn’t stand the toothache any longer. (UP)
=> I couldn’t the toothache any longer, so I went to the dentist’s.
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
Students may use the library, but they must not disturb other users. (LONG)
=> Students may use the library not disturb other users.
Rewrite the second sentence so that the first sentence's meaning doesn't change. Use between TWO and FIVE words. Do NOT change the given word form.
Would you give us your answer as soon as possible? (CONVENIENCE)
=> Please reply .
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in a bracket. You must use between THREE AND FIVE WORDS. Do not change the word given.
The number of people out of work has fallen little by little. (GRADUAL)
=> There has the number of people out of work.
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
The main film followed two short cartoons. (PRECEDED)
=> The two short cartoons ..........
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.
I don’t feel like going to the party.
=> I am not in ...........
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence.
The little girl is always biting her fingernails.
=> The little girl has ............
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.
Absolute secrecy was crucial to the success of the mission.
=> Without ...........