She asked _____.

(227)_____

Read the following passage and choose the best answer (A, B, C, D):
The ubiquitous bar code, developed more than twenty years ago, is not a stagnant product. On the contrary, the technology has been improved so that it can be used more efficiently. Much less expensive than a computer chip, the bar code can hold more information than it had in the past by adding a second dimension to the structure. The bar code consists of a series of parallel vertical bars or lines of two different widths, although sometimes four widths are used, printed in black on a white background. Barcodes are used for entering data into a computer system. The bars represent the binary digits 0 and 1, just like basic computer language, and sequences of these digits can indicate the numbers from 0 to 9, which can then be read by an optical laser scanner and processed by a digital computer. Arabic numbers appear below the code. The traditional bar code has been used to monitor skiers at ski lifts and to determine price and perform inventory control on groceries, drugs, medical supplies, manufactured parts, and library books to name a few. The bar code used on grocery products, introduced in the 1970s, is called a universal product code (or UPC) and assigns each type of food or grocery product a unique code. The five digits on the left are assigned to a particular manufacturer or maker and the five digits on the right are used by that manufacturer to identify a specific type or mark of product. Traditional single dimension bar codes are not readily customizable because there is little extra space. The two-dimensional bar code, with an information density of 1,100 bytes, allows a considerably greater amount of information to be coded than does the traditional bar code, including customized information. [A] It also has built-in redundancy, meaning that the identical information is duplicated on the same code. [B] Therefore, if the code is damaged, it can still be read. [C] The technology even allows pictures or texts to be contained within the code, as well as bar code encryption. [D] The new technology dramatically reduces the errors of the single dimensional bar code and reduces the enormous costs that some companies have reported in the past. 
1. The word "ubiquitous" in the first sentence is closest in meaning to

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
Culture has a strong influence on non–verbal communication. Even the simple act of looking someone in the eye is not at all that simple. In the USA, Americans are (1).......... to look directly  at people when speaking to them. It shows interest in what they are saying and is thought to carry a (2).......of honesty. Meanwhile, in Japan and Korea, people avoid long periods of eye contact. It is considered more polite to look to the side during a conversation. The Lebanese, (3)............ , stand close together and look intensely into each other's eyes. The action shows sincerity and gives people a better sense of what their counterparts want. Given such differences with even the most common expressions, people (4)................. travel or work abroad have a real need to learn the other culture's body language. People tend to be unaware of the messages they are sending to others. So, it is (5).................. to consider your own body language before dealing with people from other cultures. Knowing about the body language of friends, clients, and colleagues can be very helpful in improving understanding and avoiding miscommunication.

(4).......................

The population of ASEAN accounts ______ about, 8.7% of the world’s population.

(498)_____

Read the passage below carefully, and then choose the best answer:
Some Amazing Apps for Your Smartphone
It is hard to imagine life in modern society without smartphones. These handy little devices keep us entertained and enable us to manage important tasks on the go. Although smartphones feature powerful hardware, they wouldn’t be so useful without thousands of handy applications. Here are a few free and helpful apps that you can download to help you throughout the day. If you have a habit of forgetting things and want to organize your life, give Evernote a try. It promises to help users remember everything. With a few clicks, you can send all of your photos, documents, and audio notes to Evernote. Then, your digital information can be stored in folders or tagged with useful keywords. When you need to access this data, you can perform a simple search and it will appear in seconds. Evernote is available on smartphones, tablets, and computers, so you can access your data from everywhere. Imagine this scenario. You are watching a TV show and you hear a cool song in the background. You want to buy it but there is one problem. You don’t know the name of the song. SoundHound is an app that will make this problem a thing of the past. It enables users to quickly identify songs by launching the app and holding their phone in the air. The app takes the song playing and compares it to thousands of other songs until it finds a match. Within seconds, it can tell you the name, artist, and album of the song you just heard. Another spectacular app is Lookout. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it often, but when you do need it. Lookout can be a lifesaver. Its main function is to help you find your phone if it goes missing. Lookout does this by using your smartphone’s data connection to locate your lost device. To see where your phone is on a map, simply log into Lookout from any web browser. In the worst-case situation, if someone steals your phone and you fear it has gone for good, you can wipe out all of its data with a few clicks. This will ensure no one will see any private information on your phone. These helpful apps are just the tip of the iceberg. If you do some searching online, you are certain to find many other apps that will make your life more convenient.
8. Which of the following statements does the author most probably agree with?

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The factory was fined for ...... chemicals into the river.

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Journalists: Protection of Sources
Being a reporter for a major news publication can be a difficult job. The best journalists often work long hours and have to do a bit of dirty work to uncover scandals that others want to remain secret. In many cases, it is a bit of information provided by an undisclosed source that finally helps to break the story. But do reporters have a legal right to keep their sources a secret? The protection of sources is the idea that journalists have the right to keep their sources of their news stories a secret. Those who support this idea insist that if reported are forced to reveal their sources, it will be much harder for them to do their job. It certainly seems logical that fewer people would come forward with sensitive information if they know that eventually their identity will be revealed to the public. Furthermore, in cases where the source’s information uncovers a ring of corruption or somehow damages the reputation of a rich and powerful person or company, releasing the source’s identity could put their life in danger. For the most part, reporters are rarely required by law to reveal undisclosed sources if it is a minor case of little importance. Yet in some instances, when vital or leaked information is involved, a journalist may be asked to testify in court and reveal how they got their information. In the US, such a situation arose after a mass shooting in Colorado in 2012. One journalist, with information provided by an anonymous source, wrote an article claiming that the suspected killer had sent a diary detailing plans to kill people to his psychiatrist a few days before the murder occurred. The suspect’s lawyer then demanded the reporter should reveal her source because they felt it damaged their defense case. In the end, the judge declined to force the reporter to testify. So are there any cases when reporters should reveal their sources? Many would argue that when the issue is a matter of national security, journalists should be willing to reveal their sources if it can help to save lives. For instance, let’s say a reporter receives a tip from an anonymous source about a terrorist attack. In this scenario, saving innocent lives should be more important than protecting one’s source. In the end, it seems that forcing reporters to reveal their sources should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
5. What best matches the definition of the phrase “_break the story_” in paragraph 1 __________

Read the reading below carefully, and then complete it with the best option A, B, C or D given below:
A computer keyboard is an input device (1) _______ allows a person to enter letters, numbers, and other (2) _______ into a computer. It is one of the most used input devices for computers. Using a keyboard to enter lots of data is called typing. Keyboard keys typically have a set of characters engraved on them. While the main use is for typing, keyboards are capable of executing commands by using a combination of keys to create (3) _______, such as copying and pasting, deleting, etc. When you enter the (4) _______ hole, you find that the world of keyboards is diverse. It can be a traditional keyboard for basic uses or a mechanical keyboard that provides very satisfying sounds and feelings whenever you type. A lot of keyboard (5) _______ customize their own keyboards that could cost an arm and a leg. Having said that, the reason behind the price comes down to the material, the switches and the keycaps. Next time when you see a keyboard, don’t judge the way it looks but judge the way it feels and the experience it provides to the users.

Choose the best answer:
She had worked as a tourist guide before __________ a teaching career.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions:
We tend to assume that people like Shakespeare or Darwin owe their success (1)__________ their genius. In his new book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell suggests that the truth may be more complex. Of course, all successful people are bound to have some natural (2)__________. But the true (3)__________ of success are most probably hard work, opportunity, and the environment you grow up in. You need about 10,000 hours of practice before you get really good at something. Mozart’s early work was certainly not great or (4)___________. By the time he composed his first true masterpieces, he must have spent about ten years imposing concertos. But hard work is not enough, you have to get your chance. Most Silicon Valley tycoons, like Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, were born around 1955. When the personal computer revolution came twenty years later, they were at a(n) (5)__________ age to lead it.

Choose the best answer:
visitors/ every year/ This/ has/ more than/ city/ 2000.

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Teenagers often have their ________ who they admire very much.

Read the reading below carefully, and then complete it with the best option A, B, C or D given below:
Synchronised swimming or (1) _______ swimming used to be known as 'water ballet'. This is because the routines are essentially a series of athletic movements choreographed to a piece of chosen music, so synchronised swimming is like a staged ballet (2) _______ is in the water. Synchronised swimming is highly challenging, requiring ease of movements and the ability to stay upside down in water. (3) _______ , it is said to be as hard to practice as it is beautiful to watch. A test even for strong swimmers, the sport requires advanced water skills, strength, flexibility, endurance, grace, precise timing, artistry and exceptional breath control. There are a (4) _______ of competitive categories in synchronised swimming: solo, duet, trio, team, combination and figures. There are two categories available to compete in the SEA Games. The first one is duet and (5) _______ is team

Choose the best answer:
Who has ..................... apples in all of us?

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My grandpa's attitudes are very _______, considering his age.

Read the reading below carefully, and then complete it with the best option A, B, C or D given below:
Football, game played on a rectangular (1) _______ by two opposing teams with an inflated leather ball that is roughly (2) _______ in shape. The object of the game is to score points by carrying the ball (3) _______ the opponent’s goal line or by (4) _______ the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. Football is (5) _______ a full-contact sport, meaning that play involves bodily contact by means of checking, blocking, grabbing, and tackling.

Read the reading below carefully, and then complete it with the best option A, B, C or D given below:
AvinaNatural Reserve
The Avina Nature Reserve Access (ANRA) card allows you, your passengers, and your vehicle to enter the Avina Nature Reserve at Amber Falls. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual cards are available. These can be purchased for a fee of $10, $25, $40, and $60, respectively, at the visitor information center located at the park's entrance. Cards can also be ordered online at www.avinapark.com. Online orders will be delivered to your address within approximately a week of your order. As a special courtesy to annual card holders, we currently offer a 50 percent discount on fees charged for facilities and services including camping, swimming, boat rentals, and fishing equipment rentals. Please note that visitors are required to make all payments at the time of purchase using cash or a personal credit card. Please note that proof of purchase of an ANRA card is not sufficient to enter the park; the actual card is required. Once on the premises of the Avina Nature Reserve, please make sure your card is in an area of your car, such as on the dashboard, that is clearly visible from the outside. Also, since the ANRA card carries the license plate number of the vehicle registered with the Avina Nature Reserve, it cannot be used with another vehicle.

4. What are ANRA card holders advised to do after entering the park?

Read the following passage and choose the best answer (A, B, C, D):
Prehistoric mammoths have been preserved in the famous tar pits of Rancho La Brea (Brea is the Spanish word for tar) in what is now the heart of Los Angeles, California. These tar pits have been known for centuries and were formerly mine for their natural asphalt, a black or brown petroleum-like substance. Thousands of tons were extracted before 1875, when it was first noticed that the tar contained fossil remains. Major excavations were undertaken that established the significance of this remarkable site. The tar pits were found to contain the remains of scores of species of animals from the last 30,000 years of the Ice Age. Since then, over 100 tons of fossils, 1.5 million from vertebrates, 2.5 million from invertebrates, have been recovered, often in densely concentrated tangled masses. The creatures found range from insects and birds to giant ground sloths, but a total of 17 proboscideans (animals with a proboscis or long nose) - including mastodons and Columbian mammoths - have been recovered, most of them from Pit 9, the deepest bone-bearing deposit, which was excavated in 1914. Most of the fossils date to between 40,000 and 10,000 years ago. The asphalt at La Brea seeps to the surface, especially in the summer, and forms shallow puddles that would often have been concealed by leaves and dust. Unwary animals would become trapped on these thin sheets of liquid asphalt, which are extremely sticky in warm weather. Stuck, the unfortunate beasts would die of exhaustion and hunger or fall prey to predators that often also became stuck. As the animals decayed, more scavengers would be attracted and caught in their turn. Carnivores greatly outnumber herbivores in the collection: for every large herbivore, there is one saber-tooth cat, a coyote, and four wolves. The fact that some bones are heavily weathered shows that some bodies remained above the surface for weeks or months. Bacteria in the asphalt itself would have consumed some of the tissues of other than bones, and the asphalt itself would dissolve what was left, at the same time impregnating and beautifully preserving the saturated bones, rendering them dark brown and shiny.
8. The word "scavenger" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to: 

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions :

The beautiful white bears found in the Arctic are in grave danger, and human beings are very (1) _______ the cause of this danger. As we bum fossil fuels to generate electricity or get us around town in our cars and trucks. We create a massive amount of carbon dioxide. This gas has increased in (2) _______. so much over the past few centuries that it is causing global warming. Polar bears need sea ice in order to live because this ice is their hunting (3) _______, The bears’ main source of food is the meat and blubber of seals. These animals come to the surface holes in the ice to breathe. It is there that the polar bears have (4) _______to ambush the seals. Without any ice, there is nowhere for the bears to stalk their prey. The seals rarely venture onto land and spend their time out on the sea ice. In recent years, the sea ice has disappeared in the Arctic during the late summer. This is dangerous for the polar bears, as they rely almost exclusively on seals for food. (5) _______ brown and black bears, polar bears do not hibernate during the winter.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions :
Much of the music we listen to today is a mixture of styles from various countries and time periods. A lot of music has (1)___________ in older traditional songs heard in many different countries around the world. Traditional, (2)__________ music is collected over decades, if not centuries. Younger generations learn these songs from their elders through practice and repetition. Since music can tell us a lot about different cultures (3)____________ its lyrics, melodies, and the instrument used, researchers and music fans see it as an essential part of history. They fear that traditional and older types of music are slowly disappearing, partly because they are less likely to be written down or recorded, or because the format in which they are recorded is no longer (4)___________. Also, younger generations may not find such music very appealing, so once older generations pass away, the music may die (5)___________ them. Whole genres of music may go extinct.