_____ the assignment early made the rest of the day much more relaxing.
After checking the answer keys, Jessica was very disappointed. It seemed as if she _____ the wrong answers to a few easy questions.
_____, you wouldn't have made so many mistakes.
To _____ a call outside the office, you have to dial 9 first.
The aging star envied younger actors who were still in _____.
This course will familiarize students with word processing and other computer _____.
He spoke _____ all the families who had lost relatives in the disaster.
Her character is too distinctly _____ for her to conceal her genuine thoughts concerning them.
Tom: Jane's daughter is very rude.
Mary: You're right; she has no manners _____.
_____ the choice, I would definitely not go.
Tom: A lot of money goes for AIDS research.
Mary: Yes, because it's _____ the government is spending a lot to find a cure.
Tom: Which is more important: luck or effort?
Mary: Luck is _____ effort.
One of the great advantages of using the Internet is that people can ______ more quickly.
Sally ______ blames someone else if things ever go wrong.
The storm clouds ______, the rain poured down and as the skies darkened, it became impossible to see the ball.
Mrs. Carter _____ as headteacher while Mr. Andrews is in hospital.
_____ their training, young athletes are supposed to partake in numerous national and international competitions.
It was a bloody struggle: one duellist had his arm cut to shreds and _____ had-deep head wounds.
_____, Barbara can sing out the notes clearly and accurately.
It was in the countryside _____.
We don't know why our teachers _____ us to concentrate on such theoretical things.
I often wish I could afford to work less, _____ people, I suspect.
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
What is the world largest desert? I’m sure the first that to mind is the legendary Sahara – but that’s 3rd. It’s actually the desert on the Antarctic , measuring just under 14,000,000 km2, closely followed by the Arctic desert. Most people living away from deserts associate this kind of with sand, but only 10% of deserts are actually made up of sand dunes.
The term ‘desert’ in fact describes a landscape which receives almost no , meaning rainfall, snow, ice or hail. The term can also apply to regions where there is greater evaporation of moisture than rainfall. In other words, more water is absorbed back into the than stays on or within the ground. So, in deserts, you’re mainly talking about ice sheets and a little rock, not sand, of course. The surface of many other deserts is comprised of loose rock where the finer particles of dust and sand have been blown away.
It may surprise you to know that deserts exist all over the , from the Kalahari in Africa to the Great Victoria in Australia and so on, and that they cover just over a fifth of the earth’s land area. The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara, actually reaches temperatures of 122 Fahrenheit degrees. Other arid deserts may not be so hot but in common with the Sahara, they considerably at night.
An issue that is worrying geologists, governments and the people that live on the edges of deserts is the way they are spreading. You might think that the reason for this is drought – but the lack of rain is not the cause.
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
The environment is the fundamental source of all possible existence on planet Earth. However, over the recent years, the environment has been exploited because of which the environmental conditions are becoming worse . Pollution of air, water and land, mining, industrialisation, modern urbanisation, deforestation, release of chemical and landfills are some of the major factors that cause the gradual deterioration of the environment. With the disastrous pace of climate change, a result of pollution and exploitation of the environment, finding out ways to protect the environment from any further damage should be the first . Bringing back the environment to its original state is of importance and is the only solution. Working towards a common goal will be the easiest and fastest way to keep the environment from any more harm. Dots are to be connected between climate change, water , energy shortages, global health, food security and women's . Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.
The leaders of the world are working to reduce the rapid degradation of the environment, organizations like the United Nations initiatives to create awareness and get people to take actions to curb the problems of the environment. Some of these initiatives include the 2019 Sustainable Development Summit, 2019 Climate Action Summit, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. all these measures are in action, individuals are also obliged to take steps to preserve the environment that everyone is a part of. With everyone's efforts, we can be sure that all of it will definitely a difference and help the environment in becoming healthy and sustainable.
Read the passage below and fill in each blank with ONE suitable word.
Although attaching studs and spikes to clothing is today associated with the punk and metal subcultures of the 1980s, the practice is nothing . In fact, studs and spikes have been around for as as it has been necessary to protect oneself and exude a spirit of aggression. The medieval brigandine, for instance, was a form of armor that consisted of steel plates on top of fabric, and the plates were riveted there by fasteners resembled the studs used in contemporary fashions. But apart keeping the steel plates attached, they also helped absorb the shock heavy blunt weapons and made it difficult for blades to pierce through. The idea was applied to the protective clothing put animals. Hunting dogs, notably, were often put in spiked collars when their ancient Roman owners took out to capture dangerous game, like lions and bears. This way, if a dog were to get bitten on the neck, the spikes would protect .
Fill each of the following blanks with ONE suitable word.
MALNUTRITION GOALS IN AFRICA 'VERY FAR AWAY'
A new report shows that no country in Africa will meet goals to childhood malnutrition by the year 2030. That target was set by the United Nations in 2015 a Sustainable Development Goal. The UN adopted a set of goals, "to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda". The new report is published in the journal Nature. It identifies poor child nutrition and levels of education across 51 African countries. These were factors in countries battling to children with sufficient food. Researcher Simon Hay said the goal of ending childhood malnutrition was always an "aspirational" target. He said: "This aspiration is very, very far away."
There was some good news in the report. It highlighted the fact that many African nations, Ghana and Nigeria, have shown of improvement in childhood development since the year 2000. However, it is a different story for countries like Chad, Central African Republic, and Eritrea. The report indicates that malnutrition remained "persistently high" in 14 countries between Senegal in the west and Somalia in the east. Many of these countries have war, famine, and mass migration, all of have put massive strains health and agriculture. One researcher said the considerable investment was needed in health and infrastructure in order to address "serious inequalities".
You are going to read an article about an unusual photograph. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A - G the one which fits each gap. There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
|
A. These are stories that many people believe but which often have no basis in fact. B. I was talking to them about it one day and we were discussing what had happened to the lighthouse keeper. C. To avoid this, they provided extra photographs to back up their explanation. D. Then, after satisfying his curiosity, he simply closed the door again and was completely unharmed. E. Although I searched the Internet for ages I was unable to find an address for him, though there were hundreds of sites where I could buy the poster. F. I wondered why he hadn't tried to rescue the lighthouse keeper, instead of just taking photographs of him from the aircraft. G. The wind is very strong, and it is surprising that the man looks unafraid. |
THE MAN IN THE DOORWAY
A couple of years ago my friend Jack gave me a poster as a birthday present. It's an aerial photograph of a huge wave breaking around a lighthouse during a terrible storm. Standing in the doorway of the lighthouse is a man. This person must be the lighthouse keeper, and the whole picture is very dramatic.
I put the poster on my bathroom wall and I have looked at it almost every day since Jack gave it to me. I've seen postcards with the same picture, and a couple of my friends have the same poster. One of my friends claimed that the man had been killed by the wave a few seconds after the photograph was taken. She said that this was common knowledge and that was why the photograph was so popular.
I was horrified. It seemed terrible that someone would make money out of a photograph taken just before someone had died. Worse still, since it had been taken from the air, the photographer must have been safe in a helicopter. The more I thought about it, the less comfortable I felt about the poster. Eventually, I took it down and put it in a cupboard.
Even though it wasn't on the wall anymore I couldn't get it out of my mind. The photographer's name, Jean Guichard, was in small print just below the image, and I decided to try to contact him. Guichard himself seemed to have disappeared without a trace and there was no way of getting in touch with him.
I did, however, find some information on a website about urban myths. This site described the same story my friend had told me about the photographer capturing the last few seconds of the lighthouse keeper's life. A lot of people believed this story, and they had complained to the poster company about the publication of such a macabre image. I then followed the link to the poster company's webpage and it was there that I discovered the real story, which the company had published to stop the complaints.
Apparently, the storm had lasted for days and the lighthouse keeper, Theodore Malgorne, was holding on, hoping the lighthouse would survive the strong waves. Malgorne had heard the noise of the helicopter, and was intrigued. In spite of the danger, he opened the door of the lighthouse to see who was flying by on such a terrible night.
The poster company obviously thought that some people might not simply take their word for it. There are two images: the one in the poster and a second one showing Malgorne stepping inside and closing the door. So that's one mystery solved. The really strange thing is that there's no information about Guichard, the photographer. Now I wonder what happened to him!
Read the following passage then choose the best answer to each question below.
History of the Chickenpox Vaccine
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus; sufferers develop a fleeting itchy rash that can spread throughout the body. The disease can last for up to 14 days and can occur in both children and adults, though the young are particularly vulnerable. Individuals infected with chickenpox can expect to experience a high but tolerable level of discomfort and a fever as the disease works its way through the system. The ailment was once considered to be a “rite of passage” by parents in the U.S. and thought to provide children with greater and improved immunity to other forms of sickness later in life. This view, however, was altered after additional research by scientists demonstrated unexpected dangers associated with the virus. Over time, the fruits of this research have transformed attitudes toward the disease and the utility of seeking preemptive measures against it.
A vaccine against chickenpox was originally invented by Michiaki Takahashi, a Japanese doctor and research scientist, in the mid-1960s. Dr. Takahashi began his work to isolate and grow the virus in 1965 and in 1972 began clinical trials with a live but weakened form of the virus that caused the human body to create antibodies. Japan and several other countries began widespread chickenpox vaccination programs in 1974. However, it took over 20 years for the chickenpox vaccine to be approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), finally earning the U.S. government’s seal of approval for widespread use in 1995. Yet even though the chickenpox vaccine was available and recommended by the FDA, parents did not immediately choose to vaccinate their children against this disease. Mothers and fathers typically cited the notion that chickenpox did not constitute a serious enough disease against which a person needed to be vaccinated.
Strong belief in that view eroded when scientists discovered the link between Varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox, and shingles, a far more serious, harmful, and longer-lasting disease in older adults that impacts the nervous system. They reached the conclusion that Varicella-zoster remains dormant inside the body, making it significantly more likely for someone to develop shingles. As a result, the medical community in the U.S. encouraged the development, adoption, and use of a vaccine against chickenpox to the public. Although the appearance of chickenpox and shingles within one person can be many years apart - generally many decades - the increased risk in developing shingles as a younger adult (30-40 years old rather than 60-70 years old) proved to be enough to convince the medical community that immunization should be preferred to the traditional alternative.
Another reason that the chickenpox vaccine was not immediately accepted and used by parents in the U.S. centered on observations made by scientists that the vaccine simply did not last long enough and did not confer a lifetime of immunity. In other words, scientists considered the benefits of the vaccine to be temporary when given to young children. They also feared that it increased the odds that a person could become infected with chickenpox later as a young adult when the rash is more painful and prevalent and can last up to three or four weeks. Hence, allowing young children to develop chickenpox rather than take a vaccine against it was believed to be the “lesser of two evils.” This idea changed over time as booster shots of the vaccine elongated immunity and countered the perceived limits on the strength of the vaccine itself.
According to paragraph 1, which of the following is true of the chickenpox virus?
Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the clinical trials for the chickenpox vaccine?
According to paragraph 3, which of the following is true of Varicella Zoster?
According to paragraph 3, all of the following is true about the chickenpox virus EXCEPT:
The author uses "booster shots" as an example of _____.
According to paragraph 4, many parents did not choose the chickenpox vaccine because _____.
Use the letter A, B, C, D to answer these questions with reference to the passages. There are some passages you can use more than once.
Like most companies in an increasingly globalised world, our firm does business with other firms abroad. Company cultures vary worldwide, and it is important for delegates from our company to recognise how company culture overseas might be different from our own. This document will give you a brief guide to company culture in the countries we associate with.
A. Russia
Until recently, people and businesses were oppressed by the state and this has affected people's attitudes. It is not uncommon for laws to be ignored and taxes to go unpaid. In some cases, only contracts between close personal friends are acknowledged. Therefore, networking is vital for successful business. Presently, the legal situation in Russia is in a state of flux, with laws constantly being rewritten. Those that exist are often unenforceable. Most agreements are therefore made on a trust basis, so it is vital that personal relationships do not break down. The management style is centralized and directive. Too much debate can indicate a lack of decisiveness. Subordinates take orders from the 'big boss'. Many Westerners see this as a lack of initiative on the part of middle managers, but in actual fact, middle managers have little power. Most delays occur because the question has not been presented to the actual decision-maker. However, things are changing in Russia. The old regime is gradually being replaced by Western business style, and younger managers will have a much more modern approach than their older counterparts.
B. South Korea
South Korea is one of the world's most successful economies, having seen five consecutive decades of high economic growth. When faced with adversity, South Koreans change direction quickly and effectively. Despite the frantic economic growth, South Korean society is still very conservative and conformist due to the influence of Confucian values. Companies are hierarchical and regimented and 'face' is very much valued. Consequently, change can sometimes be slow and painful. Managers are paternalistic, authoritative figures who expect their instructions to be carried out obediently and respectfully. In return, they give their subordinates support and help, not only in work issues but in home issues as well. Group harmony is important, so South Koreans avoid confrontation and blame, especially among people of equal rank. Friendship is therefore vital to business success. The Korean saying 'make a friend first and a client second' sums this up exactly.
C. Australia
Australia has a relatively small population in relation to its vast size. Its geographic isolation and its small domestic market mean that international trade is essential to guarantee future prosperity. Increasingly, this is done in countries in Asia rather than Commonwealth countries. Australian managers are not considered to have superior status to other workers. Their jobs are just different. Authoritative management styles are not appreciated among Australian workers. Instead, managers adopt a more consultative and inclusive style which encourages open debate. Challenging superiors is acceptable, indeed it is a sign of commitment and professionalism. Outsiders may consider such dialogues confrontational, but Australians regard them as effective ways to communicate ideas. Australian managers like to be seen as 'one of the boys' and they are more likely to socialize with their team than segregate themselves and just mix with other managers.
D. UK
In the last half-century. Britain, like many industrialized countries, has moved away from heavy engineering towards service and high-tech industries. With this has come a major shift in management style. Hierarchical systems have been swept aside and replaced by modern business models, heavily influenced by the US. The Job for life' is rare. Neither managers nor junior workers expect to climb the corporate ladder within one company: rather, they manage their own career paths by progressing from company to company. Such short-terrorism can be frustrating for outsiders. British managers tend to be generalists rather than specialists and are not necessarily the most technically competent person in the team. Instead, they are expected to have the necessary interpersonal skills to ensure the team works together effectively. They cultivate a close and humorous relationship with subordinates, which may be considered too soft. Giving direct orders can be seen as impolite, so managers often make indirect requests rather than explicit instructions, which is sometimes confusing for non-British people.
Which country is being referred to in the statements below?
“It's frustrating because the official regulations keep changing.”
“Disagreements between colleagues are frowned upon.”
“They weren't terribly charming - they just wanted to get on with making the deal.”
“I expected the manager to have more technical knowledge than he actually did.”
“I dealt with two companies in this country last year. One was really hierarchical, but the other was really modern.”
“The manager kept asking me about my wife and children. I don't know why it was so important to him.”
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
There is still no about how the Neanderthals were driven to extinction, leaving our Homo sapiens ancestors without any competition. (CONSENT)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
Too much of the food we eat nowadays is full of chemicals and other . (ADD)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
Three of the tried to escape through the window. (CAPTURE)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
Students hate their classmates who get treatment from their teachers. (PREFER)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
The winners of the two are to compete for the trophy at the end of the month. (FINAL)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
People hold moments of silence to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in past wars. (MEMORY)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
A species is a plant or animal that plays an indispensable role in the way the ecosystem functions. (KEY)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
New immigrants have been successfully into the community. (SIMILAR)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
There is an of menace and barely suppressed violent that gives the picture of symbolic edge. (CURRENT)
Complete the sentence by changing the form of the word in capitals.
He was humourous, which made him popular with his fellow workers. (FAIL)
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.
I'm always inviting him for a weekend with us but he's always too busy.
=> No matter ...............
Complete the second sentence using the word given so that it has the same meaning to the first.
No one stands a chance of beating Mansell in this year's championship.
=> It's a foregone .....
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.
I will only be satisfied if the manager apologizes fully.
=> Nothing short ..........
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.
He declared his disapproval of the behavior of some of his supporters.
=> He let it ..........
Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.
You've got to admire Jim for getting us the new contract.
=> You've got to hand ...............
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the sentence before it. Write between THREE and EIGHT words, including the words given in bracket. Do not change the word given in brackets in any way.
These days, people regard that kind of behavior as normal. (COME)
=> That kind of behavior as normal.
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the sentence before it. Write between THREE and EIGHT words, including the words given in bracket. Do not change the word given in brackets in any way.
I really don't like it when you cheated me yesterday. (RIDE)
=> I'd rather you yesterday.
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the sentence before it. Write between THREE and EIGHT words, including the words given in bracket. Do not change the word given in brackets in any way.
You must accept the news though it is upsetting. (TERMS)
=> Upsetting as with it.
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the sentence before it. Write between THREE and EIGHT words, including the words given in bracket. Do not change the word given in brackets in any way.
What's the point of all this furniture? (AID)
=> What is of?
Complete the second sentence, using the word given so that it has a similar meaning to the sentence before it. Write between THREE and EIGHT words, including the words given in bracket. Do not change the word given in brackets in any way.
To pass the time, I looked through some magazines. (WHILED)
=> I some magazines.