Science and Technology
Science and Technology
PASSAGE 1
THE MODERN CARS OF THE FUTURE
Today's cars are smaller, safer, cleaner, and more economical than their predecessors, but the car of the
future will be far more pollution-free than those on the road today. Several new types of automobile
engines have already been developed that run on alternative sources of power, such as electricity,
compressed natural gas, methanol, steam, hydrogen, propane. Electricity, however, is the only zero-
emission option presently available.
Although electric vehicles will not be truly practical until a powerful, compact battery or another
dependable source of current is available, transportation expects to foresee a new assortment of electric
vehicles entering everyday life: shorter-range commuter electric cars, three-wheeled neighborhood cars,
electric delivery vans, bikes, and trolleys.
As automakers work to develop practical electric vehicles, urban planners and utility engineers are
focusing on infrastructure systems to support and make the best use of the new cars. Public charging
facilities will need to be as common as today's gas stations. Public parking spots on the street or in
commercial lots will need to be equipped with devices that allow drivers to charge their batteries while
they stop, dine, or attend a concert. To encourage the use of electric vehicles, the most convenient
parking in transportation centers might be reserved for electric cars.
Planners foresee electric shuttle buses, trains, and neighborhood vehicles all meeting at transit centers
that would have facilities for charging and renting. Commuters will be able to rent a variety of electric
cars to suit their needs: light trucks, one-person three-wheelers, small cars, or electric/ gasoline hybrid
cars for longer trips, which will no doubt take place on automated freeways capable of handling five
times the number of vehicles that can be carried by a freeway today.
Question 1. The following electric vehicles are all mentioned in the passage EXCEPT:
A. trolleys B. trains C. vans D. planes
Question 2. The author's purpose in the passage is to
A. criticize conventional vehicles
B. describe the possibilities for transportation in the future
C. narrate a story about alternative energy vehicles
D. support the invention of electric cars
Question 3. The passage would most likely be followed by details about
A. the neighborhood of the future B. pollution restrictions in the future
C. automated freeways D. electric shuttle buses
Question 4. The word "compact" in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to
A. long-range B. concentrated C. inexpensive D. squared
Question 5. In the second paragraph the author implies that
A. everyday life will stay the same in the future.
B. a dependable source of electric energy will eventually be developed.
C. a single electric vehicle will eventually replace several modern forms of transportation.
D. Electric vehicles are not practical for the future.
Question 6. According to the passage, public parking lots of the future will be
A. more convenient than they are today B. as common as today's gas stations
C. much large than they are today D. equipped with charging devices
Question 7. The word "charging" in this passage refer to
A. parking B. credit cards C. electricity D. lightening
Question 8. It can be inferred from the passage that
A. the present cars are more economical than their future generation
B. electricity is the best alternative source of power as it is almost free of pollution
C. the present electric engines are the best option as being practical
D. many new types of practical electric engines have been developed
Question 9. he word "hybrid" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
A. automated B. hazardous C. futuristic D. combination
Question 10. The word "commuters" in paragraph 4 refer to
A. cab drivers B. visitors C. daily travelers D. shoppers
ĐÁP ÁN
electricity is the best alternative source of power as it is almost free of pollution = điện là nguồn năng
lượng thay thế tốt nhất vì nó hầu như không gây ô nhiễm.)
Question 9: D combination
= sự phối hợp Question
10: C daily travelers người
đi lại hàng ngày
PASSAGE 2
Scientists have discovered the bones of what may be the largest meat-eating dinosaur ever to walk the
earth. The discovery was made by a team of researchers from Argentina and North America in
Patagonia, a desert on the eastern slopes of the Andes in South America. Besides the interesting fact
that the dinosaur was huge and horrifying, it is even more astounding that the bones of a number of the
dinosaurs were found together. This discovery challenges the prior theory that the biggest meat-eaters
lived as loners and instead indicates that they may have lived and hunted in packs. The Tyrannosaurus
Rex lived in North America and was believed to hunt and live alone.The newly discovered meat-eater
appears to be related to the Giganotosaurus family, being as closely related to it as a fox would be to a
dog. It is actually not of the same family at all as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, being as different from it as a
cat is from a dog. The fossilized remains indicate that the animals lived about 100 million years ago.
With needle-shaped noses and razor sharp teeth, they were larger than the Tyrannosaurus Rex, although
their legs were slightly shorter, and their jaws were designed to be better able to dissect their prey
quickly and precisely.
Question 1. The author states that the newly discovered dinosaur remains are evidence that it was the
largest
A. dinosaur ever. B. carnivorous dinosaur.
C. herbivorous dinosaur. D. South American dinosaur.
Question 2. The word Besides in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to
A. in spite of. B. in addition to. C. although. D. mostly
Question 3. The word horrifying in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to
A. frightening. B. large. C. fast. D. interesting
Question 4. The word astounding in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to
A. terrifying. B. pleasing. C. displeasing. D. surprising
Question 5. The author implies that the most interesting fact about the find is that this dinosaur
A. lived and hunted with others. B. had a powerful jaw and sharp teeth.
C. was found in the Andes. D. was larger than Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Question 6. The passage indicates that prior to this discovery scientists believed that
A. meat-eating dinosaurs lived alone. B. There were no meat-eating dinosaurs in the Andes.
C. Tyrannosaurus Rex lived in the Andes. D. meat-eating dinosaurs were small in stature.
Question 7. The word “ it” in the second paragraph refers to
A. newly discovered meat – eater B. relationship
C. Giganotosaurus D. Dog
Question 8. The author states that the newly discovered meat-eating dinosaur is
A. closely related to Tyrannosaurus Rex. B. not closely related to Tyrannosaurus Rex.
C. not closely related to Giganotosaurus. D. closely related to the large cat family.
Question 9. The word “dissect” in the last sentence is closest in meaning to
A. dismember B. swallow C. chew D. escape
Question 10. The word “prey” in the last sentence of the passage is closest in meaning to
A. victim B. enemy C. dinosaurs D. attacker
PASSAGE 4
Stellar Astronomy
Stellar Astronomy Many parameters are used to describe a star. One of them is its temperature, which
can be determined by simple observation; the color of a star and its temperature are related. Once the
color of a star is identified, its temperature can be calculated through the use of scientific principles such
as Wien’s Law.
There are different types of stars in the universe. For our purposes, we can classify them into two
categories: variable and binary. Variable stars are those which show some degree of variability in their
luminosity and magnitude. Luminosity refers to the amount of energy radiated by a star, while magnitude
refers to its brightness.
At time the degree of variability may be high, requiring a telescope with an equally high light-gathering
power. This can be achieved by using a lens of large diameter, such as that of a reflecting telescope.
Binary stars are those found in pairs that revolve around a common center.
The closest star to the sun, Proxima Centauri, is a binary star. To observe a binary star, the resolving
power of a telescope – its ability to distinguish between two close objects having a small angular
separation – must be very high. Stellar astronomy is possible for a everyone, well beyond mere looking
at the sky with the naked eye in order to identify constellations. With two basics of telescopes and
rudimentary knowledge, much exploration can be achieved.
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 5
PLANET EARTH
The planet Earth is 4,600 million years old. It is difficult for us to think about such an enormous length of
time because it has little meaning for us. We can, however, simplify the idea to make it more
understandable. We can compare a Planet Earth to a person of forty-six years of age.
Nothing is known about the first seven years of this person’s life. Very little information exists about the
middle period either. It was only at the age of forty-two that Earth began to flower.
Dinosaurs and great reptiles did not appear until one year ago, when the planet was forty-five. Mammals
only arrived eight months ago. In the middle of last week, man-like apes became ape-like men and began
to communicate with each other. Last weekend, the Ice Age covered the Earth.
Modern man has only been around for four hours. During the last hour man discovered agriculture. The
Industrial Revolution and the rise of large cities began just sixty seconds ago.
During that short time, modern man has made a rubbish tip of the Earth. In one minute, he has increased
his numbers to terrible proportions, and has caused the death of hundreds of species of animals. He has
robbed and destroyed the planet in his search for fuel. Now he stands, like a violent, spoiled child,
delighted at the speed of his rise to power, on the edge of the final mass destruction and of killing all the
life which exists in the solar system.
Question 1. The passage tells us that
A. A great deal is known about how the Earth was created.
B. life on Earth began relatively recently.
C. more is known about the first part of the Earth’s life than the middle part.
D. Scientists are well-informed about the middle part of the Earth’s life.
Question 2. We are informed by the author that
A. dinosaurs appeared during the middle period.
B. mammals and great reptiles both appeared at the same time.
C. There were more than forty-five kinds of great reptiles.
D. ape-like men appeared before the last Ice Age.
Question 3. The author is mainly interested in
A. the time when the man first evolved from apes.
B. what has happened since the Industrial Revolution.
C. the effects of farming.
D. the period before the last Ice Age.
Question 4. It would appear that the main danger ahead is that
A. man will destroy everything on Earth. B. man will use up all the fuels.
C. there will be a population explosion. D. more species of animals may die out.
Question 5. he author’s general view of man seems to be that
A. He has no right to be so destructive. B. he has been the most successful animal.
C. he will be able to control the environment. D. he has learnt a lot from past mistakes.
PASSAGE 6
As computers have become powerful tools for the rapid and economic production of pictures, computer
graphics has emerged as one of the most rapidly growing fields in computer science. It is used routinely
in such diverse areas as business, industry, art, government, education, research, training, and medicine.
One of the initial uses of computer graphics, and ultimately its greatest use, has been as an aid to design,
generally referred to as computer-aided design (CAD). One of its greatest advantages is that designers
can see how an object will look after construction and make changes freely and much more quickly than
with hand drafting. For three-dimensional rendering of machine parts, engineers now rely heavily on CAD.
Automobile, spacecraft, aerospace, and ship designers use CAD techniques to design vehicles and test
their performance. Building designs are also created with computer graphics systems. Architects can
design a building layout, create a three-dimensional model, and even go for a simulated "walk" through
the rooms or around the outside of the building.
Business graphics is another rapidly growing area of computer graphics, where it is used to create
graphs, charts, and cost models to summarize financial, statistical, mathematical, scientific, and
economic data. As an educational aid, computer graphics can be used to create weather maps and
cartographic materials. Computer art also has creative and commercial art applications, where it is used
in advertising, publishing, and film productions, particularly for computer animation, which is achieved by
a sequential process.
Question 1. What does the passage mainly discuss?
A. Routine uses of computers B. Computer graphics applications
C. The rapidly growing field of computer science D. Computers as the, architects of the future
Question 2. The word "it" in line 3 refers to
A. computer graphics B. computer science C. fields D. computers
Question 3. According to the passage, architects use CAD to
A. inspect buildings B. create graphs
C. make cartographic materials D. create three-dimensional models
Question 4. According to the passage, engineers use CAD for
A. a simulated "walk" through model rooms B. rendering machine parts
C. making cost models D. advertising
Question 5. The word "applications" in the passage means
A. jobs B. uses C. creativity D. layers
Question 6. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a use of computer graphics in business?
A. Char B. Cost models C. Graphs D. Hiring
PASSAGE 7
In science, a theory is a reasonable explanation of observed events that are related. A theory often
involves an imaginary model that helps scientists picture the way an observed event could be produced.
A good example of this is found in the kinetic molecular theory, in which gases are pictured as being
made up of many small particles that are in constant motion.
A useful theory, in addition to explaining past observation, helps to predict events that have not as yet
been observed. After a theory has been publicized, scientists design experiments to test the theory. If
observations confirm the scientists' predictions, the theory is supported. If observations do not confirm
the predictions, the scientists must search further. There may be a fault in the experiment, or the theory
may have to be revised or rejected.
Science involves imagination and creative thinking as well as collecting information and performing
experiments. Facts by themselves are not science. As the mathematician Jules Henri Poincare said:
"Science is built with facts just as a house is built with bricks, but a collection of facts cannot be called
science any more than a pile of bricks can be called a house."
Most scientists start an investigation by finding out what other scientists have learned about a particular
problem. After known facts have been gathered, the scientist comes to the part of the investigation that
requires considerable imagination. Possible solutions to the problem are formulated. These possible
solutions are called hypotheses. In a way, any hypothesis is a leap into the unknown. It extends the
scientist's thinking beyond the known facts. The scientist plans experiments, performs calculations, and
makes observations to test hypotheses. Without hypotheses, further investigation lacks purpose and
direction. When hypotheses are confirmed, they are incorporated into theories.
Question 1. Which of the following is the main subject of the passage?
A. The place of theory and hypothesis in scientific investigation.
B. The importance of models in scientific theories.
C. The ways that scientists perform different types of experiments.
D. The sorts of facts that scientists find most interesting.
Question 2. The word "related"in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to .
A. Described B. Identified C. completed D. connected
Question 3. The word "this"in paragraph 1 refers to .
A. a good example B. an imaginary model
C. the kinetic molecular theory D. an observed event
Question 4. According to the second paragraph, a useful theory is one that helps scientists to .
A. observe events B. publicize new findings
C. make predictions D. find errors in past experiments
Question 5. The word "supported" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to .
A. finished B. investigated C. upheld D. adjusted
Question 6. “Bricks”are mentioned in paragraph 3 to indicate how .
A. building a house is like performing experiments
B. mathematicians approach science
C. science is more than a collection of facts
D. scientific experiments have led to improved technology
Question 7. In the fourth paragraph, the author implies that imagination is most important to scientists
when they .
A. evaluate previous work on a problem B. formulate possible solutions to a problem
C. gather known facts D. close an investigation
Question 8. In paragraph 4, the author refers to a hypothesis as "a leap into the unknown” in order to
show that hypotheses .
A. require effort to formulate B. can lead to dangerous results
C. are sometimes ill-conceived D. go beyond available facts
Question 9. In the last paragraph, what does the author imply is a major function of hypotheses ?
A. Sifting through known facts. B. Providing direction for scientific research.
C. Linking together different theories. D. Communicating a scientist's thoughts to others.
Question 10. Which of the following statements is supported by the passage?
A. Theories are simply imaginary models of past events.
B. It is better to revise a hypothesis than to reject it.
C. A good scientist needs to be creative.
D. A scientist's most difficult task is testing hypotheses.
PASSAGE 8
The advent of the Internet may be one of the most important technological developments in recent
years. Never before have so many people had access to so many different sources of information. For all
of the Internet’s advantages, however, people are currently becoming aware of some of its drawbacks
and are looking for creative solutions. Among the current problems, which include a general lack of
reliability and numerous security concerns, the most crucial is speed.
First of all, the Internet has grown very quickly. In 1990, only a few academics had ever heard of the
Internet. In 1996, over 50 million people used it. Every year, the number of people with access to the
Internet doubles. The rapid growth has been a problem. The computer systems which run the Internet
have not been able to keep up with the demand. Also, sometimes, a request for information must pass
through many routing computers before the information can be obtained. A request for information
made in Paris might have to go through computers in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo in order to
obtain the required information. Consequently, the service is often slow and unpredictable. Service also
tends to be worse when the Internet is busiest - during the business day of the Western Hemisphere -
which is also when companies need its service the most.
Some people are trying to harness the power of networked computers in such a way as to avoid this
problem. In 1995, a group of American universities banded together to form what has come to be known
as Internet II. Internet II is a smaller, more specialized system intended for academic use. Since it is more
specialized, fewer users are allowed access. Consequently, the time required to receive information has
decreased.
Businesses are beginning to explore a possible analogue to the Internet II. Many businesses are creating
their own “Intranets”. These are systems that can only be used by the members of the same company. In
theory, fewer users should translate into a faster system. Intranets are very useful for large national and
international companies whose branches need to share information. Another benefit of an Intranet is an
increased amount of security. Since only company employees have access to the information on the
Intranet, their information is protected from competitors. While there is little doubt that the Internet will
eventually be a fast and reliable service, industry and the academic community have taken their own
steps toward making more practical global networks.
Question 1. According to the passage, which of the following is not true of the Internet ?
A. It tends to be unreliable. B. It has created a sense of financial security.
C. It is too expensive to access. D. It has become increasingly less popular.
Question 2. According to the passage, which of the following statements was true in 1990?
A. The Internet was a secure means to gain information.
B. The Internet experienced enormous growth rates.
C. Internet data proved to be impractical.
D. Few people were using the Internet.
Question 3. According to the author, what is one reason why the Internet is sometimes slow?
A. Phone lines are often too busy with phone calls and fax transmissions to handle Internet traffic.
B. Most people do not have computers that are fast enough to take advantage of the Internet.
C. Often a request must travel through many computers before it reaches its final destination.
D. Scientists take up too much time on the Internet , thus slowing it down for everyone else.
Question 4. The word “ obtained” in line 10 is closest in meaning to .
A. understood B. acquired C. purchased D. distributed
Question 5. The word “ harness” in line 15 is closest in meaning to .
A. utilize B. disguise C. steal D. block
Question 6. According to the passage, what benefits does Internet II have over the Internet I?
A. There is no governmental intervention regulating Internet II.
B. Small businesses pay higher premiums to access to the Internet.
C. Internet II contains more information than the Internet.
D. Internet II has fewer users and therefore is faster to access.
Question 7. The word “ analogue” in line 20 most nearly means .
A. similarity B. alternative C. use D. solution
Question 8. The word “their” in line 25 refers to .
A. competitors B. company employees C. Intranets D. companies
Question 9. With which of the following conclusions would the author probably agree?
A. Fewer academic communities need to create their own Internet systems.
B. Companies who develop their own Intranets are limiting their information data base.
C. The technology used by Internet creators is too complex for computer owners to understand.
D. An Internet system with fewer users would be quicker.
Question 10. All of the following are advantages of business “ Intranets” mentioned in the passage
EXCEPT
A. they provide a higher level of security.
B. they share information with other company branches.
C. they are cheaper than other alternatives.
D. they move data faster.
PASSAGE 10
It is hard to think of a world without gas or electricity. Both are commonly used for lighting and
heating today. We now can instantly flick a lighter or strike a match to make a flame. But it was not long
ago that there were no such things as matches or lighters. To make fire, it was necessary to strike a
piece of iron on a flint for sparks to ignite some tinder. If the tinder was damp, or the flint old, you had to
borrow some fire from a neighbor.
We do not know exactly when or how people first used fire. Perhaps, many ages ago, they found that
sticks would burn if they were dropped into some hole where melted lava from a volcano lay boiling.
They brought the lighted sticks back to make their fire in a cave. Or, they may have seen trees catch fire
through being struck by lightning, and used the trees to start their own fires.
Gradually people learned they could start a fire without traveling far to find flames. They rubbed two
pieces of wood together. This method was used for thousands of years.
When people became used to making fires with which to cook food and stay warm at night, they found
that certain resins or gums from trees burnt longer and brighter. They melted resins and dipped branches
in the liquid to make torches that lit their homes at night. Iron stands in which torches used to be fixed
can still be seen in old buildings of Europe.
There was no lighting in city streets until gas lamps, and then electric lamps were installed. Boys ran
about London at night carrying torches of burning material. They were called torch boys, or link boys, and
earned a living by guiding visitors to friends’ houses at night.
For centuries homes were lit by candles until oil was found. Even then, oil lamps were no more
effective than a cluster of candles. We read about the splendors and marvels of ancient palaces and
castles, but we forget that they must have been gloomy and murky places at night.
Question 1. What does “they” refer to?
A. people B. ages C. sticks D. Trees
Question 2. According to the passage the first fire used by people was probably obtained .
A. from the sun’s heat through glass B. by rubbing wood together
C. from heat or fire caused by nature D. by striking iron against flint
Question 3. It is stated in the passage that torches for lighting were made from .
A. the wood of gum trees B. iron bars dipped in melted resins
C. wooden poles dipped in oil D. tree branches dipped in melted resins
Question 4. It is mentioned in the passage that before the electric lamp was invented
A. oil lamps and then candles were used
B. candles and oil lamps appeared about the same time
C. candles and then oil lamps were used
D. people did not use any form of lighting in their houses
Question 5. The word “splendors” in the passage could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. expensive objects B. places of scenic beauty
C. achievements D. the beautiful and impressive features
Question 6. According to the passage, which of the following sentence is NOT true?
A. We know exactly when and how people first used fire.
B. Before gas lamps and electric lamps appeared, streets were lit by torches.
C. We can make a fire by striking a piece of iron on flint to ignite some tinder.
D. Matches and lighters were invented not long ago.
Question 7. The word “gloomy” in the passage is closest in meaning to
A. nearly dark B. badly decorated C. containing a lot of white D. Mysterious
Question 8. What form of street lighting was used in London when link boys used to work there?
A. Gas lighting B. No lighting at all. C. Electric lighting D. Oil lighting.
PASSAGE 11
The invention of the incandescent light bulb by Thomas A. Edison in 1879 created a demand for a
cheap, readily available fuel with which to generate large amounts of electric power. Coal seemed to fit
the bill, and it fueled the earliest power stations (which were set up at the end of the nineteenth century
by Edison himself). As more power plants were constructed throughout the country, the reliance on coal
increased. Since the first World War, coal-fired power plants have accounted for about half of the electric
produced in the United States each year. In 1986 such plants had a combined generating capacity of
289,000 megawatts and consumed 83 percent of the nearly 900 million tons of coal mined in the country
that year. Given the uncertainty of the future growth of nuclear power and in the supply of oil and natural
gas, coal-fired power plants could well provide up to 70 percent of the electric power in the United Stats
by the end of the century.
Yet, in spite of the fact that coal has long been a source of electricity and may remain one for many
years (coal represents about 80 percent of the United States fossil-fuel reserves), it has actually never
been the most desirable fossil fuel for power plants. Coal contains less energy per unit of weight than
natural gas or oil; it is difficult to transport, and it is associated with a host of environmental issues,
among them acid rain. Since the late 1960’s problems of emission control and waste disposal have
sharply reduced the appeal of coal-fired power plants. The cost of ameliorating these environmental
problems, along with the rising cost of building a facility as large and complex as a coal-fired power
plant, has also made such plants less attractive from a purely economic perspective.
Change in the technological base of coal-fired power plants could restore their attractiveness,
however. Whereas some of these changes are involuntary and are intended mainly to increase the
productivity of existing plants, completely new technologies for burning coal cleanly are also being
developed.
Question 1. What’s the main idea of the passage ?
A. Coal-fired power plants are an important source of electricity in the United States and are likely to
remain so.
B. Generating electricity from coal is comparatively recent in the United States
C. Coal is a more economical fuel than either oil or nuclear power.
D. Coal is a safer and more dependable fossil fuel than oil or gas
Question 2. Edison electric light bulb is mentioned in the passage because it
A. increased the need for electric power
B. replaced gas as a light source
C. was safer than any other method of lighting
D. could work only with electricity generated from coal
Question 3. The phrase “fit the bill” in paragraph 1 can be replaced by :
A. be used B. be suitable C. be paid D. be discovered Question
4. In the author’s opinion, the importance of coal-generated electricity could increase in the future for
which of the following reasons ?
A. The future availability of other fuels are uncertain
B. The cost of changing to other fuels is uncertain
C. The possible substitutes are too dangerous
D. Other fuels present too many environmental problems
Question 5. Acid rain is mentioned in the passage for which of the following reasons ?
A. It reduces the efficiency of coal-fired plants
B. It increases the difficulty in transporting coal
C. It is an environmental problem associated with coal use.
D. It contains less energy per unit than coal does.
Question 6. The word “it” in paragraph 2 refers to
A. oil B. electricity C. plant D. coal
Question 7. The word “ameliorating” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
A. amending B. raising C. touching D. following
Question 8. According to the passage, which of the following is one of the goals of new technology in
coal-fired plants ?
A. To adapt the plants to other kinds of fuel B. To reduce the cost of building more plants
C. To lengthen the lives of plant already in use D. To make the plant already in use more effective
BÀI DỊCH
Sự phát minh ra bóng đèn phát sáng bởi Thomas A. Edison vào năm 1879 đã tạo ra một nhu cầu
về một loại nhiên liệu rẻ, luôn sẵn có để tạo ra một lượng lớn năng lượng điện. Than có vẻ phù hợp, và nó
được dùng để làm nhiên liệu cho những trạm phát điện đầu tiên nhất (được dựng nên vào cuối thế kỉ 19
bởi chính Edison). Vì ngày càng có nhiều nhà máy điện được xây dựng xuyên suốt đất nước, sự phụ
thuộc vào than tăng lên. Kể từ Thế chiến thứ nhất, những nhà máy điện chạy bằng than chiếm gần một
nửa lượng điện sản xuất ra ở Mỹ mỗi năm. Vào năm 1986, những nhà máy này có công suất sản xuất
phối hợp 289,000 MW và tiêu thụ 83% của cần 900 triệu tấn than được khai thác từ đất nước năm đó. Bị
thông báo về sự không đảm bảo về sự phát triển trong tương lai của năng lượng hạt nhân và trong sự
cung cấp dầu và khí tự nhiên, những nhà máy chạy bằng than có thể cung cấp lên đến 70% năng lượng
điện ở Mỹ cuối thế kỉ đó.
Tuy vậy, bất chấp sự thật rằng than từ lâu đã là một nguồn sản xuất điện và có thể vẫn như thế
trong nhiều năm (than chiếm đến khoảng 80% dự trữ nhiên liệu của Mỹ), thật ra, nó chưa bao giờ là nhiên
liệu đáng mong ước cho các nhà máy điện. Than chứa ít nhiên liệu trên một đơn vị khối lượng hơn khí tự
nhiên hay dầu; nó khó để vận chuyển, và liên quan đến một loạt các vấn đề về môi trường, mà một trong
số đó là mưa acid. Những vấn đề về kiểm soát khí thải và thải rác trong những thập niên 1960 đã giảm
đáng kể nhu cầu nhà máy điện chạy bằng than. Chi phí để cải thiện những vấn đề môi trường này, cùng
với sự gia tăng chi phí xây dựng cơ sở vật chất lớn và phức tạp như nhà máy điện chạy bằng than, cũng
đã làm những nhà máy như thế trở nên kém hấp dẫn hơn từ khía cạnh kinh tế.
Những thay đổi trong nền tảng kỹ thuật của những nhà máy điện chạy bằng than có thể phục hồi
sức hấp dẫn của chúng, tuy vậy, trong khi một vài sự thay đổi là do tiến triển và với mục đích chủ yếu để
gia tăng năng suất của những nhà máy đang có, những kỹ thuật mới hoàn toàn để đốt than sạch hơn
cũng đang được phát triển.
PASSAGE 12
As computer use becomes more common, the need for security is more important than ever. One of
the greatest security threats in the online world is computer hacking.
Computer hacking is the unauthorized access to a computer or network of computers. Hackers are
people who illegally enter systems. They may alter or delete information, steal private information, or
spread viruses that can damage or destroy files. But how exactly can a hacker get into a system to do
these things?
Most hackers use information called protocols that are built into computer software. These protocols
allow computers to interact with one another. Protocols are sort of like computer police officers. When a
computer connects to another system, the protocols check to see if the access is valid. The protocols
can also determine how much information can be shared between the two systems. Hackers can
manipulate the protocols to get unlimited access to a computer system.
In fact, just the act of entering a computer network is considered hacking. This is commonly called
passive hacking. Passive hackers get a rush from just being able to access a challenging system like a
bank or military network. Another kind of hacker tries to do damage to a system. After hacking into
systems, these hackers release viruses or alter, delete, or take information. Known as active hackers,
they are, by far, the more dangerous of the two.
The easiest way to protect a system is with a good password. Long and unusual passwords are
harder for hackers to guess. For even greater security, some online services use “password-plus”
systems. In this case, users first put in a password and then put in a second code that changes after the
user accesses the site. Users either have special cards or devices that show them the new code to use
the next time. Even if a hacker steals the password, they won’t have the code. Or if the hacker somehow
gets the code, they still don’t know the password.
Question 1. What is NOT considered hacking?
A. Turning on a private computer. B. Spreading viruses.
C. Illegally entering systems. D. Altering or deleting private information.
Question 2. How can hackers get access to a computer system?
A. Change security programs. B. Manipulate the protocols.
C. Spread viruses. D. Make a new password.
Question 3. The word “they” in the fourth paragraph refers to
A. computer systems. B. passive hackers. C. computer viruses. D. active hackers.
Question 4. Why are active hackers probably considered more dangerous than passive ones?
A. Active hackers are more skilled.
B. Passive hackers are caught more easily.
C. Passive hackers have more intense personalities.
D. Active hackers do damage.
Question 5. What does “plus” in “password-plus” in the passage probably mean?
A. fast B. long C. danger D. extra
Question 6. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Good ways to stop hackers. B. Hackers and computer security.
C. Famous hackers. D. Funny things hackers do.
Dịch bài
Vì máy tính trở nên ngày càng phổ biến hơn, nhu cầu bảo mật là quan trọng hơn bao giờ hết. Một
trong những mối đe dọa an ninh mạng lớn nhất là sự ăn cắp dữ liệu máy tính.
Đánh cắp dữ liệu mạng là sự tiếp cận trái phép đến 1 máy tính hoặc 1 mạng lưới máy tính. Những
kẻ đánh cắp dữ liệu là những người truy cập trái phép vào hệ thống. Họ có thể thay đổi hoặc xoá thông
tin, đánh cắp thông tin cá nhân, hoặc lan truyền virus có thể phá huỷ hoặc huỷ diệt các tệp tin. Nhưng
chính xác thì bằng cách nào 1 hacker có thể truy cập vào 1 hệ thống để làm những thứ như thế ?
Phần lớn hacker sử dụng thông tin gọi là các định ước được thiết lập trong phần mềm máy tính.
Những định ước này cho phép máy tính tương tác với máy khác. Các định ước cũng giống như sĩ quan
cảnh sát bảo vệ máy tính. Khi 1 máy tính kết nối với một hệ thống khác, những định ước này kiểm tra xem
sự kết nối này có phù hợp hay không. Những định ước cũng có thể xác định thông tin có thể chia sẻ giữa
hai hệ thống như thế nào. Hacker có thể điều khiển những định ước để lấy quyền truy cập vô hạn vào 1 hệ
thống máy tính.
Thực tế, hành động xâm nhập vào 1 mạng lưới máy tính được coi là việc đánh cắp dữ liệu. Điều
này thường được gọi là đánh cắp dữ liệu bị động. Những kẻ đánh cắp bị động nhanh chóng kết nối với 1
hệ thống đầy thử thách như 1 mạng lưới ngân hàng dữ liệu quân đội. Một loại hacker khác cố phá huỷ hệ
thống dữ liệu. Sau khi xâm nhập được vào hệ thống, những hacker này thả ra những virus hoặc thay đổi,
xóa, hoặc lấy thông tin. Được biết đến như là những hacker chủ động, họ, còn nguy hiểm hơn 2 loại trên
nhiều.
Cách đơn giản nhất để bảo vệ hệ thống máy tính là bằng 1 mật khẩu tốt. Những mật khẩu dài và
khác thường sẽ khó hơn đối với hacker để đoán ra. Để bảo mật tốt hơn, một vài dịch vụ online sử dụng hệ
thống “password-plus”. Trong trường hợp này, người dùng đặt 1 mật khẩu lần đầu và đặt thêm 1 đoạn mã
sẽ thay đổi sau khi người dùng truy cập vào trang web. Những người dùng có những tấm danh thiếp đặc
biệt hoặc những thiết bị cho họ thấy dòng mã mới để sử dụng vào lần tới. Ngay cả khi hacker đánh cắp
được mật khẩu, chúng cũng không có đoạn mã. Hoặc nếu hacker, bằng cách nào đó, có được đoạn mã,
chúng cũng vẫn không biết mật khẩu.
PASSAGE 13
Millions of people are using cell phones today. In many places, it is actually considered unusual not to
use one. In many countries, cell phones are very popular with young people. They find that the phones
are more than a means of communication - having a mobile phone shows that they are cool and
connected.
The explosion in mobile phone use around the world has made some health professionals worried. Some
doctors are concerned that in the future many people may suffer health problems from the use of mobile
phones. In England, there has been a serious debate about this issue. Mobile phone companies are
worried about the negative publicity of such ideas. They say that there is no proof that mobile phones
are bad for your health.
On the other hand, medical studies have shown changes in the brain cells of some people who use
mobile phones. Signs of change in the tissues of the brain and head can be detected with modern
scanning equipment. In one case, a traveling salesman had to retire at a young age because of serious
memory loss. He couldn't remember even simple tasks. He would often forget the name of his own son.
This man used to talk on his mobile phone for about six hours a day, every day of his working week, for a
couple of years. His family doctor blamed his mobile phone use, but his employer's doctor didn't agree.
What is it that makes mobile phones potentially harmful? The answer is radiation. High-tech machines
can detect very small amounts of radiation from mobile phones. Mobile phone companies agree that
there is some radiation, but they say the amount is too small to worry about.
As the discussion about their safety continues, it appears that it's best to use mobile phones less often.
Use your regular phone if you want to talk for a long time. Use your mobile phone only when you really
need it. Mobile phones can be very useful and convenient, especially in emergencies. In the future,
mobile phones may have a warning label that says they are bad for your health. So for now, it's wise not
to use your mobile phone too often
Question 1. According to the passage, cell phones are especially popular with young people because
.
A. they make them look more stylish.
B. they keep the users alert all the time.
C. they cannot be replaced by regular phones.
D. they are indispensable in everyday communications.
Question 2. The word "means" in the passage most closely means .
A. meanings B. expression C. transmission D. method
Question 3. Doctors have tentatively concluded that cell phones may .
A. cause some mental malfunction B. change their users’ temperament.
C. change their users’ social behaviors. D. damage their users’ emotions.
Question 4. "Negative publicity" in the passage most likely means .
A. widespread opinion about bad effects of cell phones.
B. information on the lethal effects of cell phones.
C. the negative public use of cell phones.
D. poor ideas about the effects of cell phones.
Question 5. The changes possibly caused by the cell phones are mainly concerned with .
A. the smallest units of the brain. B. the mobility of the mind and the body.
C. the resident memory. D. the arteries of the brain.
Question 6. The man mentioned in the passage, who used his cell phone too often, .
A. had a problem with memory. B. abandoned his family.
C. suffered serious loss of mental ability. D. could no longer think lucidly.
Question 7. The word "potentially" in the passage most closely means .
A. certainly B. obviously C. privately D. possibly
Question 8. According to the passage, what makes mobile phones potentially harmful is .
A. their radiant light. B. their raiding power.
C. their power of attraction. D. their invisible rays.
Question 9. According to the writer, people should .
A. keep off mobile phones regularly. B. never use mobile phones in all cases.
C. only use mobile phones in medical emergencies. D.only use mobile phones in urgent cases.
Question 10. The most suitable title for the passage could be .
A. Technological Innovations and Their Price.
B. The Way Mobile Phones Work.
C. The Reasons Why Mobile Phones Are Popular.
D. Mobile Phones: A Must of Our Time
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 14
Recent technological advances in manned and unmanned vehicles, along with breakthroughs in satellite
technology and computer equipment, have overcome some of the limitations of divers and diving
equipment for scientists doing research on the great oceans of the world. Without a vehicle, divers often
became sluggish, and their mental concentration was severely limited. Because undersea pressure
affects their speech organs, communication among divers has always been difficult or impossible.
But today, most oceanographers avoid the use of vulnerable human divers, preferring to reduce the risk
to human life and make direct observations by means of instruments that are lowered into the ocean,
from samples take from the water, or from photographs made by orbiting satellites. Direct observations
of the ocean floor can be made not only by divers but also by deep-diving submarines in the water and
even by the technology of sophisticated aerial photography from vantage points above the surface of
more than seven miles and cruise at depths of fifteen thousand feet. In addition, radio-equipped buoys
can be operated by remote control in order to transmit data back to land-based laboratories via satellite.
Particularly important for ocean study are data about water temperature, currents, and weather. Satellite
photographs can show the distribution of sea ice, oil slicks, and cloud formations over the ocean. Maps
created from satellite pictures can represent the temperature and the color of the ocean’s surface,
enabling researchers to study the ocean currents from laboratories on dry land. Furthermore, computers
help oceanographers to collect, organize, and analyze information from submarines and satellites. By
creating a model of the ocean’s movement and characteristics, scientists can predict the patterns and
possible effects of the ocean on the environment.
Recently, many oceanographers have been relying more on satellites and computers than on research
ships or even submarine vehicles because they can supply a greater range of information more quickly
and more effectively. Some of humankind’s most serious problems, especially those concerning energy
and food, may be solved with the help of observations made possible by this new technology.
Question 1. With what topic is the passage primarily concerned?
A. Communication among drivers. B. Direct observation of the ocean floor.
C. Undersea vehicles. D. Technological advances in oceanography.
Question 2. The word “sluggish” is closest in meaning to .
A. very weak B. nervous C. confused D. slow moving
Question 3. This passage suggests that the successful exploration of the ocean depends upon .
A. vehicles as well as divers B. controlling currents and the weather
C. radios that divers use to communicate D. the limitations of diving equipment
Question 4. Divers have had problems in communicating underwater because .
A. they did not pronounce clearly B. the water destroyed their speech organs
C. the pressure affected their speech organs D. the vehicles they used have not been perfected
Question 5. The word “cruise” could best be replaced by .
A. travel at a constant speed B. function without problems
C. stay in communication D. remain still
Question 6. Undersea vehicles .
A. are too small for a man to fit inside B. have the same limitations that divers have
C. are very slow to respond D. make direct observations of the ocean floor
Question 7. The word “data” is closest in meaning to .
A. samples B. photographs C. information D. articles
Question 8. How is a radio-quipped buoy operated?
A. by operators outside the vehicle on a diving platform.
B. by operators outside the vehicle in a laboratory on shore.
C. By operators outside the vehicle on ship.
D. by operators inside the vehicle in the part underwater.
Question 9. Which of the following are NOT shown in satellite photographs?
A. The location of sea ice. B. Cloud formations over the ocean.
C. The temperature of the ocean’s surface. D. A model of the ocean’s movements.
Question 10. The words “those” refers to .
A. vehicles B. problems C. ships D. computers
ĐÁP ÁN
Question 1:
Câu chủ đề nằm ở ngay đầu bài khóa:
“Recent technological advances in manned and unmanned vehicles, along with breakthroughs in satellite
technology and computer equipment, have overcome some of the limitations of divers and diving
equipment for scientists doing research on the great oceans of the world” => những tiến bộ về khoa học
trong ngành đại dương học
Question 2:
Sluggish: chậm chạp, uể oải = slow moving
Nervous: lo lắng
Very weak: rất yếu
Confused: bối rối, lúng túng
Question 3:
A (hint trong bài là: Direct observations of the ocean floor can be made not only by divers but also by
deep-diving submarines)
Question 4:
C (có thể dễ dàng tìm thấy câu chứa thông tin trong bài: Because undersea pressure affects their speech
organs,)
Question 5:
Cruise: cuộc du ngoạn = đi với 1 tốc độ đều, ổn định
Question 6:
C (câu chứa thông tin trong bài: Direct observations of the ocean floor can be made not only by divers but
also by deep-diving submarines ( đây chính là thay cho “undersea vehicles”) in the water)
Question 7:
Data = information: dữ liệu, thông tin
Question 8:
“radio-equipped buoys can be operated by remote control in order to transmit data back to land-based
laboratories via satellite” => những chiếc phao cứu hộ được điều khiển từ xa qua phòng thí nghiệm qua
hệ thống vệ tinh.
Question 9:
“Satellite photographs can show the distribution of sea ice, oil slicks, and cloud formations over the
ocean.”
----> A, B. C đều có
-----> D là không được nhắc đến
Question 10:
“Some of humankind’s most serious problems, especially those concerning energy and food” => Một số
vấn đề nghiêm trọng liên quan đến con người , đặc biệt và những vấn đề liên quan đến năng lượng và
thức ăn,
PASSAGE 15
Animation traditionally is done by hand-drawing or painting successive frames of an object, each slightly
different than the preceding frame. In computer animation, although the computer may be the one to
draw the different frames, in most cases the artist will draw the beginning and ending frames and the
computer will produce the drawings between the first and the last drawing. This is generally referred to
as computer-assisted animation, because the computer is more of a helper than an originator.
In full computer animation, complex mathematical formulas are used to produce the final sequence of
pictures. These formulas operate on extensive databases of numbers that define the objects in the
pictures as they exist in mathematical space. The database consists of endpoints, and color and
intensity information. Highly trained professionals are needed to produce such effects because
animation that obtains high degrees of realism involves computer techniques for three-dimensional
transformation, shading, and curvatures.
High-tech computer animation for film involves very expensive computer systems along with special
color terminals or frame buffers. The frame buffer is nothing more than a giant image memory for
viewing a single frame. It temporarily holds the image for display on the screen.
A camera can be used to film directly from the computer's display screen, but for the highest quality
images possible, expensive film recorders are used. The computer computes the positions and colors for
the figures in the picture, and sends this information to the recorder, which captures it on film.
Sometimes, however, the images are stored on a large magnetic disk before being sent to the recorder.
Once this process is completed, it is repeated for the next frame. When the entire sequence has been
recorded on the film, the film must be developed before the animation can be viewed. If the entire
sequence does not seem right, the motions must be corrected, recomputed, redisplayed, and
re-recorded. This approach can be very expensive and time consuming. Often, computer-animation
companies first do motion tests with simple computer-generated line drawings before selling their
computers to the task of calculating the high-resolution, realistic-looking images.
Question 1. What aspect of computer animation does the passage mainly discuss?
A. The production process B. The equipment needed
C. The high cost D. The role of the artist
Question 2. According to the passage, in computer-assisted animation the role of the computer is to
draw the .
A. first frame B. middle frames
C. last frame D. entire sequence of frames
Question 3. The word "they" in the second paragraph refers to .
A. formulas B. databases C. numbers D. objects
Question 4. According to the passage, the frame buffers mentioned in the third paragraph are used
to .
A. add color to the images B. expose several frames at the same time
C. store individual images D. create new frames
Question 5. According to the passage, the positions and colours of the figures in high-tech animation are
determined by .
A. drawing several versions B. enlarging one frame at a lime
C. using computer calculations D. analyzing the sequence from different angles
Question 6. The word "captures" in the fourth paragraph is closest in meaning to .
A. separates B. registers C. describes D. numbers
Question 7. The word "Once" in the fourth paragraph is closest in meaning to .
A. before B. since C. after D. while
Question 8. According to the passage, how do computer-animation companies often test motion?
A. They experiment with computer-generated line drawings.
B. They hand-draw successive frames.
C. They calculate high-resolution images.
D. They develop extensive mathematical formulas.
Question 9. The word "task" in the 4th paragraph is closest in meaning to .
A. possibility B. position C. time D. job
Question 10. Which of the following statements is supported by the passage?
A. Computers have reduced the costs of animation.
B. In the future, traditional artists will no longer be needed.
C. Artists are unable to produce drawings as high in quality as computer drawings.
D. Animation involves a wide range of technical and artistic skills.
ĐÁP ÁN
Question 1:
Dựa vào câu đầu của bài khóa: “Animation traditionally is done by hand-drawing or painting successive
frames of an object, each slightly different than the preceding frame” => Bài khóa bàn về quy trình sản
xuất phim hoạt hình
Question 2:
“in most cases the artist will draw the beginning and ending frames and the computer will produce the
drawings between the first and the last drawing” => Họa sĩ thường vẽ phần đầu và cuối, còn máy tính vẽ
phần giữa đầu và cuối => phần giữa
Question 3:
“These formulas operate on extensive databases of numbers that define the objects in the pictures as
they exist in mathematical space” => Các công thức toán học phức tạp thực hiện trong các ổ dữ liệu lớn
các số mà xác định các vật (objects) khi mà chúng (các vật này) tồn tại trong không gian toán học.
Question 4:
“The frame buffer is nothing more than a giant image memory for viewing a single frame. It temporarily
holds the image for display on the screen.” => vùng đệm khung là một bộ nhớ ảnh khổng lồ tạm thời chứa
các ảnh để hiển thị trên màn hình
Question 5:
“The computer computes the positions and colors for the figures in the picture, and sends this
information to the recorder, which captures it on film” => Vị trí và hình ảnh của các nhanh vật trong phim
hoạt hình công nghệ cao được xác định bằng các tính toán máy tính (computers computes).
Question 6:
Capture = register (v): nắm bắt, lưu giữ
Question 7:
“Once this process is completed, it is repeated for the next frame.” => Ngay sau khi quy trình này được
hoàn thành, nó được lặp lại cho khung tiếp theo.
Question 8:
“Often, computer-animation companies first do motion tests with simple computer-generated line
drawings” => Các công ty sản xuất phim hoạt hình kiểm tra hoạt động vằng các bức vẽ các đường tạo ra
bởi máy tính.
Question 9:
Task = job: công việc, nhiệm vụ
Question 10:
Skimming bài khóa ta thấy đáp án D. sản xuất phim hoạt hình liên quan nhiều đến những kỹ năng kỹ thuật
và nghệ sĩ hợp lý nhất.
PASSAGE 16
Long ago a lot of people thought the moon was a god. Other people thought it was just a light in the sky.
And others thought it was a big ball of cheese.
Then telescopes were made. And men saw that the moon was really another world. They wondered what
it was like. They dreamed of going there.
On July 20, 1969, that dream came true. Two American men landed on the moon. Their names were Neil
Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin.
The first thing the men found was that the moon is covered with dust. The dust is so thick that the men
left footprints where they walked. Those were the first marks a living thing had ever made on the moon.
And they could stay there for years and years. There is no wind or rain to wipe them off.
The two men walked on the moon for hours. They picked up rocks to bring back to earth for study. They
dug up dirt to bring back. They set up machines to find out things people wanted to know. Then they
climbed back into their moon landing craft.
Next day the landing craft roared as the two men took off from the moon. They joined Michael Collins in
the spaceship that waited for them above the moon. Then they were off on their long trip back to earth.
Behind them they left the plains and tall mountains of the moon. They left the machines they had set up.
And they left footprints that may last forever.
Question 1. This story tells .
A. about the first men to walk on the moon.
B. what the men brought back from their trip to the moon.
C. how men found the footprints on the moon.
D. who had left footprints on the moon before the two men landed there.
Question 2. A telescope .
A. makes faraway things seem closer B. turns the moon into another world
C. makes many of men’s dreams come true D. makes balls of light seem brighter
Question 3. The men brought rocks and dirt from the moon because .
A. they wanted something to show they were there.
B. they wanted to keep them as souvenirs
C. people wanted to use them to learn about the moon.
D. they might sell them to scientists.
Question 4. The Americans’ machines will most likely stay on the moon until .
A. Someone takes them away. B. a storm covers them with dust
C. rain and wind destroy them. D. they become rusty and break to pieces.
Question 5. The next people who go to the moon most likely could .
A. find the places where Armstrong and Aldrin walked
B. leave the first set of footprints on the moon.
C. find that the machines have disappeared.
D. find that dust has wiped off the two men’s footprints.
ĐÁP ÁN
Question 1: A
Thông tin cả bài nói về người đầu tiên đặt chân lên mặt trăng là Neil Armstrong và Edwin Aldrin.
Dịch: Câu chuyện này kể về người đầu tiên đặt chân lên mặt trăng.
Question 2:A
Dịch: Kính thiên văn thì khiến những thứ ở xa trở nên gần hơn.
Question 3:C
Dịch: Con người mang đá và chất bẩn từ mặt trăng bởi vì muốn sử dụng chúng để tìm hiểu về mặt trăng.
Thông tin ở đoạn ‘They picked up rocks to bring back to earth for study.
They dug up dirt to bring back. They set up machines to find out things people wanted to know’
Question 4:A
Dịch: Máy móc của người Mỹ thì gần như là ở trên mặt trăng cho tới khi con người mang chúng đi.
Thông tin ‘They left the machines they had set up’.
Question 5:A
Dịch: Những người tiếp theo mà tới mặt trăng thì có thể tìm ra nơi mà Armstrong và Aldrin đã đặt chân.
Thông tin ‘And they left footprints that may last forever’ -> họ để lại dấu chân mà có thể tồn tại mãi mãi.
PASSAGE 17
The idea of life in outer space has been talked about for a long time. Some scientists say that life
development on Earth was far too unlikely for it to have happened anywhere else. Things had to be
perfect for us to make it on this planet. Other scientists say that space is too big. Stars and other planets
are far too numerous for there to be no other life in the universe.
For many years, there have been reports of visitors from other planets. People all around the world have
claimed to see alien spaceships or even aliens themselves. There have been glimpses of these so-called
UFOs (unidentified flying objects) flying through the air and they have even been captured on video.
Some Americans believe that the U.S. Army found an alien spaceship crashed in the desert and then lied
to the press about it. Although these sightings may be true, scientists have not found significant
evidence that aliens exist.
If you go out into the countryside on a clear night and look up, you can see thousands of stars. These
stars make up a tiny part of our universe. There are more stars, planets, and galaxies than we can count.
Even the smartest scientists can’t even come close to defining how big space is. The number of possible
stars and planets out there is bigger than our ability to count. If we are really on the only planet that can
sustain life, then we are special in a universe full of amazing things.
Question 1. Why does the author mention “reports of visitors from other planets”?
A. To raise the issue of whether or not we are alone in the universe.
B. To give an example of people who do not believe in science
C. To inform people that a spaceship crashed in the American desert.
D. To explain why scientists are not interested in studying aliens
Question 2. What would be the best title for this passage?
A. Visitors from Faraway Planets B. The Possibility of Life on Other Worlds
C. The Life and Times of an Alien Life D. The Mysterious Crash Landing in America
Question 3. According to the passage, what is NOT true about the night sky?
A. It has an uncountable amount of stars. B. The stars there are only a fraction of the universe
C. It proves that aliens are real. D. We can see stars there.
Question 4. What can be inferred about finding aliens?
A. Aliens can be found in the USA. B. Scientists already know the truth.
C. It’s already been done. D. It’s not possible yet.
Question 5. What have some people claimed about aliens?
A. Aliens are always kidnapping people. B. Aliens are extremely dangerous.
C. Aliens often appear in dreams. D. They have encountered aliens.
Question 6. The word “numerous” in bold in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to .
A. plentiful B. rare C. large D. interesting
Question 7. The word “they” in bold in paragraph 2 refers to .
A. videos B. glimpses C. UFOs D. people
PASSAGE 18
In the history of technology, computers and calculators were innovative developments. They are
essentially different from all other machines because they have a memory. This memory stores
instructions and information. In a calculator, the instructions are the various functions of arithmetic,
which are permanently remembered by the machine and cannot be altered or added to. The information
consists of the numbers keyed in.
An electronic pocket calculator can perform almost instant arithmetic. A calculator requires an input unit
to feed in numbers, a processing unit to make the calculation, a memory unit, and an output unit to
display the result. The calculator is powered by a small battery or by a panel of solar cells. Inside is a
microchip that contains the memory and processing units and also controls the input unit, which is the
keyboard, and the output unit, which is the display.
The input unit has keys for numbers and operations. Beneath the key is a printed circuit board containing
a set of contacts for each key. Pressing a key closes the contacts and sends a signal along a pair of lines
in the circuit board to the processing unit, in which the binary code for that key is stored in the memory.
The processing unit also sends the code to the display. Each key is connected by a different pair of lines
to the processing unit, which repeatedly checks the lines to find out when a pair is linked by a key.
The memory unit stores the arithmetic instructions for the processing unit and holds the temporary
results that occur during calculation. Storage cells in the memory unit hold the binary codes for the keys
that have been pressed. The number codes, together with the operation code for the plus key, are held in
temporary cells until the processing unit requires them.
When the equals key is pressed, it sends a signal to the processing unit. This takes the operation
code-for example, addition-and the two numbers being held in the memory unit and performs the
operation on the two numbers. A full adder does the addition, and the result goes to the decoder in the
calculator's microchip. This code is then sent to the liquid crystal display unit, which shows the result, or
output, of the calculation.
Question 1. The word "innovative" in line 1 could best be replaced by .
A. recent B. important C. revolutionary D. complicated
Question 2. What can be inferred about machines that are not calculators or computers?
A. They can not store information in a memory.
B. They are less expensive than computers.
C. They have simple memory and processing units.
D. They are older than computers.
Question 3. In what part of the calculator are the processing and memory units?
A. the battery B. the solar cells C. the output unit D. the microchip
Question 4. According to the passage, one function of the memory unit is .
A. to control the keyboard B. to store temporary results during calculation
C. to send codes to the display unit D. to alter basic arithmetic instructions
Question 5. The word "This" in paragraph 5 refers to .
A. the plus key B. the processing unit C. the memory unit D. the equals key
Question 6. The word "contacts" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to .
A. commands B. codes C. locations D. connections
Question 7. Which of the following could NOT be said about calculators?
A. The calculator's "thinking" takes place in the processing and memory units.
B. Calculators require a lot of instructions to operate quickly.
C. Calculators and computers are similar.
D. Pressing a key activates a calculator.
Question 8. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To discuss innovative developments in technology
B. To compare computers and calculators with other machines
C. To summarize the history of technology
D. To explain how a calculator works
ĐÁP ÁN
ĐÁP ÁN
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 21
Until recently, the “science of the future” was supposed to be electronics and artificial intelligence.
Today it seems more and more likely that the next great breakthrough in technology will be brought
about through a combination of those two sciences with organic chemistry and genetic engineering. This
combination is the science of biotechnology.
Organic chemistry enables us to produce marvelous synthetic materials. However, it is still difficult
to manufacture anything that has the capacity of wool to conserve heat and also to absorb moisture.
Nothing that we have been able to produce so far comes anywhere nears the combination of strength,
lightness and flexibility that we find in the bodies of ordinary insects. Nevertheless, scientists in the
laboratory have already succeeded in growing a material that has many of the characteristics of human
skin. The next step may be biotech hearts and eyes which can replace diseased organs in human beings.
These will not be rejected by the body, as is the case with organs from humans.
The applications of biotechnology to energy production seems even more promising. In 1996 the
famous science – fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke, many of whose previous predictions have come true,
said that we may soon be able to develop remarkably cheap and renewable sources of energy. Some of
these power sources will be biological. Clarke and others have warned us repeatedly that sooner or later
we will have to give up our dependence on non-renewable power sources. Coal, oil, and gas are indeed
convenient. However, using them also means creating dangerously high levels of pollution. It will be
impossible to meet the growing demand for energy without increasing that pollution to catastrophic
levels unless we develop power sources that are both cheaper and cleaner.
Question 1. According to the text, the science of the future is likely to be .
A. electronics B. biotechnology C. genetic engineering D. nuclear technology
Question 2. The word “These” refers to
A. diseased organs B. biotech heart and eyes
C. human beings D. characteristics of human skin
Question 3. What does the text say is one of the worst problems caused by the use of coal, gas and oil?
A. They are so cheap that people waste them.
B. They are very bad for the world around us.
C. They are no longer as easy to use as they once were.
D. They are too expensive for poorer people in many parts of the world.
Question 4. According to the text, it may soon be possible .
A. to make something as good as human skin
B. to take an organ from one human and give it to another human
C. to make useful substitutes for human hearts and eyes
D. to cure certain diseases that damage human organs
Question 5. In 1996, Arthur C. Clarke predicted .
A. that we may not be able to meet future demand for energy
B. that using oil, gas and coal would lead to very high levels of pollution
C. newer and better way of using oil, gas and coal.
D. new and better way of heating and lighting homes, offices and factories
Question 6. The word “to meet” is synonymous with
A. satisfy B. encounter C. turn up D. appear
Question 7. Which word below can be the best substitute for “breakthrough”?
A. exit B. development C. outlet D. opening
Question 8. Organic chemistry helps to produce materials that are .
A. almost as good as wool
B. not as good as natural materials
C. stronger, lighter and better than natural materials.
D. almost as strong, light and flexible as an insect’s body
ĐÁP ÁN
BÀI DỊCH
Cho đến gần đây, "khoa học về tương lai" được cho là điện tử và trí tuệ nhân tạo. Ngày nay dường như
sự đột phá tiếp theo trong công nghệ sẽ mang lại thông qua sự kết hợp của hai khoa học giữa hóa học
hữu cơ và kỹ thuật di truyền. Sự kết hợp này là khoa học về công nghệ sinh học.
Hóa hữu cơ cho phép chúng tôi sản xuất vật liệu tổng hợp tuyệt vời. Tuy nhiên, vẫn còn khó khăn để
sản xuất bất cứ thứ gì có khả năng len để bảo tồn nhiệt và cũng để hấp thụ độ ẩm. Không có gì mà chúng
tôi có thể sản xuất cho đến nay đến bất cứ nơi nào gần với sự kết hợp của sức mạnh, nhẹ nhàng và linh
hoạt mà chúng ta tìm thấy trong cơ thể của côn trùng thông thường. Tuy nhiên, các nhà khoa học trong
phòng thí nghiệm đã thành công trong việc phát triển một loại vật liệu có nhiều đặc điểm của da người.
Bước tiếp theo có thể là trái tim công nghệ sinh học và đôi mắt có thể thay thế các cơ quan bị bệnh ở
người. Những cơ thể này sẽ không bị cơ thể từ chối, như trường hợp với các cơ quan từ người.
Các ứng dụng của công nghệ sinh học để sản xuất năng lượng có vẻ còn hứa hẹn hơn. Năm 1996, nhà
văn khoa học viễn tưởng nổi tiếng, Arthur C. Clarke, nhiều dự đoán trước đó của họ đã trở thành hiện
thực, cho biết chúng ta sớm có thể phát triển các nguồn năng lượng rẻ và tái tạo. Một số nguồn năng
lượng này sẽ sinh học. Clarke và những người khác đã cảnh báo chúng ta nhiều lần rằng sớm hay muộn
chúng tôi sẽ phải từ bỏ sự phụ thuộc của chúng tôi vào các nguồn năng lượng không tái tạo. Than, dầu
và khí thực sự thuận tiện. Tuy nhiên, việc sử dụng chúng cũng có nghĩa là tạo ra mức ô nhiễm cao nguy
hiểm. Nó sẽ không thể đáp ứng nhu cầu ngày càng tăng về năng lượng mà không làm tăng ô nhiễm đến
mức thảm họa, trừ khi chúng ta phát triển các nguồn năng lượng rẻ hơn và sạch hơn.
PASSAGE 22
With the leaps and bounds being made in technology, a robotic future isn't too far out of reach,
especially given the amount of jobs ripe to be replaced by computers. For example, most people carry
around technology in their pockets that duplicates work done, or once done, by actual people. The emails
and Facebook posts people send were once mailed out and delivered to individuals. Google search has
nearly eliminated the need for encyclopedias and libraries.
While many don't notice this seemingly benign form of computerization, machines may soon be taking
over some well-known fields and jobs. A new study, titled "The Future of Susceptible Are Jobs to
Computerization?" calculated how likely individual jobs were to be filled by computers based on how
often they required clever solutions, personal interaction and negotiation. Telemarketers are most likely
to be replaced by machines, Quoctrung Bui of NPR reported. While this is no surprise given the rise of
"robocalls,"the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as of 2014 there were 234,520 telemarketers in
the U.S.
On the other hand, mental health and substance abuse social workers only have a 0.3 percent chance
of computerization because their job requires a degree of cleverness and personal interaction computers
cannot compete with. Teachers, doctors and nurses, management and artists were also less likely to be
replaced compared to those in cleaning, maintenance, transportation and manufacturing.
In order to prepare for the potential for computerization, some colleges and universities across the
country are introducing new programs and teaching styles that will create more flexible graduates who
may be able to better navigate an increasingly automated world. Harvard's program in general education
requires students to take courses outside the realm of their programs in the hopes of broadening their
education and many other schools are taking similar approaches, Robert J. Shiller reported for The New
York Times. Shiller said the two ways to approach this issue would be to give students "general, flexible,
insight-bearing human learning" or to turn to a more business-oriented and real world teaching process
that develops more entrepreneurs. By connecting all disciplines to possible areas of entrepreneurship
and business, Shiller suggests future employees may be able to outsmart the robots.
"Perhaps we should prepare students for entrepreneurial opportunities suggested by our own
disciplines," he said. "Even departments entirely divorced from business could do this enterprises,
nonprofits and activities in which students can later use their specialized knowledge."
Question 1. What sentence is NOT true about technology in paragraph 1?
A. People can copy the work done by other people.
B. People can use technology to send mails or posts to others.
C. All jobs will be replaced by computers.
D. People have used Google search instead of encyclopedias and libraries.
Question 2. What is the job or field likely taken over by machines in paragraph 2?
A. telemarketing B. computerization C. interaction D. negotiation
Question 3. The following jobs are the ones rarely replaced by computers, EXCEPT
A. teachers B. doctors and nurses C. artists bool D. cleaners
Question 4. What is the reason why computers have little chance to replace mental health and substance
abuse social workers?
A. Because computers do not have degrees required like people.
B. Because computers are not as clever and interactive as people are.
C. Because computers are cleverer and more interactive than people are.
D. Because computers are likely to replace jobs like cleaning, maintenance, transportation and
manufacturing.
Question 5. What does paragraph 4 mainly discuss?
A. The new programs and teaching styles. B. Two ways to broaden students' education.
C. The preparation for computerization. D. The disciplines of entrepreneurship and business.
Question 6. The word "navigate" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
A. control B. orient C. direct D. manage
Question 7. What does the word "divorced” in paragraph 5 mean?
A. gathered B. divided C. equipped D. separated
Question 8. What does Shiller suggest in the last paragraph?
A. Students should be prepared for the opportunities in business.
B. Every department should require enterprise, nonprofits and activities to use students' knowledge.
C. Students should do the jobs their disciplines suggested
D. Students should use their specialized knowledge later.
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 24
Although computers are considered the most perfect and effective devices in our modern time, we
cannot avoid certain problems when we are working on a computer. Letters and phone conversations are
private. It is against the law to open someone's mail without permission or to listen secretly to
someone's telephone conversation. And now there are laws to protect the privacy of email. It is also
against the law to read the messages that a person sends or receives on a computer. Although each
person has a secret password for his or her email, sometimes the passwords are discovered by hackers
and the mailbox is opened.
Recently several companies that do business on the Internet have been attacked. The attackers sent
huge amounts of useless emails to the Web sites of these companies. The effect was to slow or stop the
ability of the companies to do their business. Such actions are known as "denial of service" attacks. The
companies say they may have lost millions of dollars because they were not able to provide goods and
services during the attacks. Most of the companies were able to solve the problem in about three hours.
The victims of the attacks included some of the largest and most successful companies on the Internet,
such as Yahoo, Amazon, and Com and E-Trade. The police have investigated the attackers. The computer
industry leaders have discussed the electronic attacks and the problems of computer crime. They
suggest that a person who is found guilty of such a crime should be sentenced to at least lo years in
prison.
Question 1. It is to read the messages that a person sends or receives on a computer.
A. legal B. illegal C. encouraged D. advisable
Question 2. Which sentence is true?
A. It is quite secret to send or receive messages through the Internet.
B. We need a password to open an email box.
C. We never have problems with email.
D. E-mails on the Internet are open letters.
Question 3. What happened to some companies that do business on the Internet?
A. They were electronically attacked.
B. They were closed because they are broke.
C. They stopped working because all computers were out of order.
D. They stopped working because of no power.
Question 4. What did the hackers do?
A. They attacked the network with computer viruses.
B. They made a lot of orders through the Internet.
C. They sent a lot of emails to the companies.
D. They sent useless emails to the Web sites of these companies.
Question 5. Most of the companies
A. could solve the problem B. could not solve the problem
C. closed D. were sentenced to about ten years in prison
Question 6. Which of the following is NOT true?
A. Computers are one of the most effective devices in our modern times.
B. It is illegal to open someone’s mail without permission.
C. Passwords are hardly stolen by hackers.
D. The attacked companies have lost a lot of money.
Question 7. How long does it take to deal with the problem caused by hacker?
A. About one day B. About 30 minutes C. About 3 hours D. About one hour
Question 8. The word “they” in the first paragraph is referred to ?
A. goods and services B. attacks C. companies D. hackers
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 25
Former technology industry leaders are calling for urgent measures to protect children from smartphone
addiction. Among those urging major changes is Tristan Harris – a former high-level employee at
Google. He just launched a group that will seek to gather and publish evidence of how digital devices and
social media can harm children and young people. Based on the findings of this study, Tristan Harris
says Apple and other technology companies need to actually change their current engineering and
design methods to be more kid friendly.
Common Sense Media is partnering with the Centre for Humane Technology on a new campaign aimed
at getting companies to make such changes. The effort includes a major public information campaign
that will target schools, where research has also shown that mobile devices can hurt the learning
process
James Steyer is the founder of Common Sense. He says more than half of schools in the U.S. are already
members of the organization. The group provides teachers and parents with learning materials intended
to help students develop critical thinking skills and balance their digital lives.
Steyer says Common Sense will be providing even more resources to educators beginning in the new
school year next fall. “And you know what’s going to be in there? Stuff about addiction, how to prevent
digital addiction. Stuff about digital manipulation. I actually think if you tell kids how they’re being
manipulated, it will change their relationship with technology.”
Most education experts believe technology will remain in schools far into the future. Steyer says the big
question is how this ever-changing technology will be used in schools going forward. “And are we going
to educate the teachers, the students and their parents about the thoughtful, ethical use of those
platforms and the software? That’s the whole challenge ahead of us.”
Question 1. Who used to work for Google?
A. Tritan Harris
B. The Founder of Common Sense
C. James Steyer
D. The manager of the Centre for Humane Technology
Question 2. What does the word “their” in the first paragraph refer to?
A. The findings B. Technology companies
C. Design methods D. Kids
Question 3. What is most likely to distract students from studying?
A. A smartphone B. An intelligent dog C. A home computer D. A newspaper
Question 4. How many percent of schools in the U.S. are members of Common Sense Media?
A. 25% B. 33% C. 50% D. 75%
Question 5. What skills are needed to protect children from smartphone addiction?
A. Problem solving skills B. Communication skills
C. Critical thinking skills D. Time management skills
Question 6. Schools will receive further materials on technology addiction next .
A. spring B. summer C. autumn D. winter
Question 7. What is NOT mentioned by Steyer as topics of materials for schools?
A. Addiction B. Addiction prevention C. Time management D. Digital manipulation
Question 8. According to Steyer, it’s to educate people to use digital products smartly
A. time-consuming B. expensive C. unnecessary D. difficult
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 27
One question that is being debated these days is whether or not genetic engineering is a good thing. Our
science editor has contributed this article to help our readers become more informed on the issue. We
hear this term “genetic engineering” with increasing frequency these days. For those readers who may
not be sure of its meaning, some definitions follow. When we speak of genes, we are referring to
chemical substances in the cells of all-living things that establish an organism’s characteristics. Genetic
engineering is the changing of certain genes, usually to improve an organism in some way. In recent
years, for example, certain genes have been placed in tomato plants to make tomatoes taste better and
keep them fresh in supermarkets for a longer time. Cows have been treated with a growth hormone that
makes dairy cattle give more milk and reduces the amount of fat in the meat of beef cattle. These sound
like positive things, don’t they? After all, many people say, technology exists to improve our lives.
But there are plenty of people around who oppose genetic engineering. Why? Two specific objections
come to mind. One is that the balance of nature might be upset. Suppose, for example, that scientists are
able to genetically engineer certain plants so that insects will not eat them. This will protect the plants,
but the insects will be deprived of a food supply - and other animals that depend on those insects for
food will lose their food supply, too. The other objection is a moral question. Is it acceptable or right for
us to change the makeup of living things?
Supporters of genetic engineering say the benefits outweigh the dangers. Look at all the improvements
that can be made in plants raised for food, they say. Because of genetic engineering, plants that produce
more fruits and vegetables and resist disease can be grown. In a world where more and more food will
be needed in the future, this is a benefit. The medical advances provided by genetic engineering, say the
supporters, are even more impressive. Consider cancer, for example. If genetic engineering can provide a
way to cure or prevent this disease, shouldn’t it be used? And if genetic engineering can be used to kill
the virus that causes AIDS, shouldn’t it be permitted?
Opponents of genetic engineering say it should be stopped, or at least limited. Proponents of genetic
engineering say it should be promoted and expanded. The debate goes on.
Question 1. What is TRUE about genetic engineering, according to paragraph 1?
A. It increases people’s age. B. It improves fat in the meat.
C. It changes genes’ parameters. D. it reduces the number of cells.
Question 2. Genetic engineering is said to be aimed at .
A. changing genes of plants and animals B. placing new genes into plants
C. establishing an organism’s characteristic D. improving an organism in some way
Question 3. The word “one” in the paragraph refers to .
A. specific objection B. mind C. balance of nature D. example
Question 4. It is stated in paragraph 2 that .
A. scientists control the number of insects B. ecosystems should be counterbalanced
C. insects protect the plants from extinction D. people should be concerned about wild animals
Question 5. The word “outweigh” in the passage is closest in meaning to .
A. have the same value B. be of greater importance
C. weigh heavier than D. be less expensive
Question 6. Which of the following is NOT mentioned by the supporters of genetic engineering?
A. It has more advantages than weak points. B. It will help to achieve record harvests.
C. It can be controlled and stopped at any moment. D. It will mean breakthrough in medicine.
Question 7. All of the following is mentioned in the passage EXCEPT .
A. genetic engineering will save plants and insects from extinction
B. certain genes can make some vegetables more delicious
C. genetic engineering could help sick people
D. it’s harmful to interfere in animal life
Question 8. Which of the following is the most appropriate title for the passage?
A. Can genetic engineering be harmful to the environment?
B. People can manage genetic engineering
C. Genetic engineering: Superfoods
D. Genetic engineering: Forward or Backward?
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 28
It looked just like another aircraft from the outside. The pilot told his young passengers that it was
built in 1964, a Boeing KC-135 refuelling tanker, based on the 707. But appearances were deceptive, and
the 13 students from Europe and the USA who boarded the aircraft were in for the flight of their lives.
Inside, the area that normally had seats had become a long white tunnel. Heavily padded from floor to
ceiling, it looked a bit like a lunatic asylum. There were almost no windows, but lights along the padded
walls eerily illuminated it. Most of the seats had been taken out, apart from a few at the back, where the
young scientists quickly took their places with a look of apprehension.
For 12 months, science students from across the continents had competed to win a place on the
flight at the invitation of the European Space Agency. The challenge had been to suggest imaginative
experiments to be conducted in weightless conditions.
For the next two hours the Boeing's flight resembled that of an enormous bird which had lost its
reason, shooting upwards towards the heavens before hurtling towards Earth. The intention was to
achieve weightlessness for a few seconds.
The aircraft took off smoothly enough, but any feelings that I and the young scientists had that we
were on anything like a scheduled passenger service were quickly dismissed when the pilot put the plane
into a 45-degree climb which lasted around 20 seconds. Then the engines cut out and we became
weightless. Everything became confused, and left or right, up or down no longer had any meaning. After
ten seconds of free-fall descent the pilot pulled the aircraft out of its nosedive. The return of gravity was
less immediate than its loss, but was still sudden enough to ensure that some students came down with
a bump.
Each time the pilot cut the engines and we became weightless, a new team conducted its experiment.
First it was the Dutch, who wanted to discover why cats always land on their feet. Then it was the
German team, who conducted a successful experiment on a traditional building method to see if it could
be used for building a future space station. The Americans had an idea to create solar sails that could be
used by satellites.
After two hours of going up and down in the plane doing experiments, the predominant feeling was
one of exhilaration rather than nausea. Most of the students thought it was an unforgettable experience
and one they would be keen to repeat.
Question 1. What does the writer say about the plane?
A. It had no seats. B. It had no windows.
C. The inside was painted white. D. The outside was misleading.
Question 2. What does 'eerily' in paragraph 2 mean?
A. badly B. brightly C. clearly D. strangely
Question 3. What did the pilot do with the plane?
A. He climbed and made the plane turn over.
B. He climbed and made the plane fall slowly.
C. He quickly climbed and stopped the engines.
D. He took off normally and then cut the engines for 20 seconds.
Question 4. What does the word it in the last paragraph refer to?
A. the exhilaration B. the opportunity C. the plane D. the trip
Question 5. Why was this text written?
A. To encourage young people to take up science.
B. To describe the outcome of a scientific competition
C. To report on a new scientific technique.
D. To show scientists what young people can do.
ĐÁP ÁN
PASSAGE 29
The word “robot” first appeared in a 1921 stage play by Czech writer Karel Capek. In the play, a man
makes a machine that can think, which he calls a robot and which ends up killing its owner. In the 1940s,
the American science fiction writer Isaac Asimov wrote a series of stories about robots and invented the
term robotics, the science of robots. Meanwhile, in the real world, the first robots were developed by an
engineer, Joseph F. Engelberger, and an inventor, George C. Devol. Together they started Unimation, a
manufacturing company that produces the first real robot in 1961, called the Unimate. Robots of this
type were installed at a General Motors automobile plant and proved to be a success. They worked
reliably and saved money for General Motors, so other companies were soon acquiring robots as well.
These industrial robots were nothing like the terrifying creatures that can often be seen in science fiction
films. In fact, these robots looked and behaved nothing like humans. They were simply pieces of
computer-controlled machinery, with metal “arms” or “hands”. Since they were made of metal, they could
perform certain jobs that were difficult or dangerous for humans, particularly jobs that involve high heat.
And since robots were tireless and never got hungry, sleepy, or distracted, they were useful for tasks that
would be tiring or boring for humans. Industrial robots have been improved over the years, and today they
are used in many factories around the world. Though the use of robots has meant the loss of some jobs,
at the same time other jobs have been created in the design, development, and production of the robots.
Outside of industry, robots have also been developed and put to use by governments and scientists in
situations where humans might be in danger. For example, they can be sent in to investigate an
unexploded bomb or an accident at a nuclear power plant. In space exploration, robots have performed
many key tasks where humans could not be present, such as on the surface of Mars. In 2004, two robotic
Rovers-small six-wheeled computerized cars were sent to Mars.
Question 1. When did the word robot appear?
A. before the 1920s B. in the early 1920s C. in the mid-1920s D. in the late 1920s
Question 2. Which of these statements is TRUE about Karel Capek?
A. He is a famous American playwright.
B. He was the first to create the word “robot”.
C. He invented a machine that can think like humans.
D. He made a robot kill a person.
Question 3. What does the word they in paragraph 2 refer to?
A. terrifying creatures B. humans
C. science fiction films D. industrial robots
Question 4. What are industrial robots like?
A. They are computer-controlled machines. B. They are built with metal arms and legs.
C. They behave like humans. D. They can think like humans.
Question 5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of robots?
A. They never need food to survive. B. They can survive without any sleep.
C. They are tired like humans. D. They can do jobs involving intense heat.
Question 6. What can be inferred from the passage about robots?
A. Their appearance negatively affects the job market.
B. They can stop active volcanoes from erupting.
C. They help humans travel to outer space.
D. They take away some jobs but offer some in return.
Question 7. Which of the following best paraphrases the sentence in bold in the first paragraph?
A. Because they were reliable and economical to General Motors, other companies started to use
robots.
B. Other companies started to produce reliable and efficient robots for General Motors.
C. Every other company made use of robots because they were time-consuming and safe.
D. Robots worked well for General Motors, but caused certain trouble to others.
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