sREADING

Reading 1
Until recently, most American entrepreneurs were men. Discrimination against women in business,
the demands of caring for families, and lack of business training had kept the number of women
entrepreneurs small. Now, however, businesses owned by women account for more than $ 40 billion in
annual revenues, and this figure is likely to continue rising throughout the 1990s. As Carolyn Doppelt Gray,
an official of the Small Business Administration, has noted, “The 1970s was the decade of women entering
management, and the 1980s turned out to be the decade of the woman entrepreneur.
What are some of the factors behind this trend? For one thing, as more women earn advanced
degrees in business and enter the corporate world, they are finding obstacles. Women are still excluded from
most executive suites. Charlotte Taylor, a management consultant, had noted, “In the 1970s women believed
if they got an MBA and worked hard they could become chairman of the board. Now they’ve found out that
isn’t going to happen, so they go out on their own”.
In the past, most women entrepreneurs worked in “women’s” fields: cosmetics and clothing, for
example. But this is changing. Consider ASK Computer Systems, a $ 22-billion-a-year computer software
business. It was founded in 1973 by Sandra Kurtzig, who was then a housewife with degrees in math and
engineering. When Kurtzig founded the business, her first product was software that let weekly newspapers
keep tabs on their newspaper carriers- and her office was a bedroom at home, with a shoebox under the bed
to hold the company’s cash. After she succeeded with the newspaper software system, she hired several
bright computer-science graduates to develop additional programs. When these were marketed and sold,
ASK began to grow. It now has 200 employees, and Sandra Kurtzig owns $66.9 million of stock.
Of course, many women who start their own businesses fail, just as men often do. They still face
hurdles in the business world, especially problems in raising money; the banking and finance world is still
dominated by men, and old attitudes die hard. Most businesses owned by women are still quite small. But
the situation is changing; there are likely to be many more Sandra Kurtzigs in the years ahead.
1. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Women today are better educated than in the past, making them more attractive to the business world.
B. The computer is especially lucrative for women today.
C. Women are better at small businesses than men are.
D. Women today are opening more businesses of their own.
2. The word “excluded” is closest in meaning to
A. not permitted in B. often invited to C. decorators of D. charged admission to
3. All of the following were mentioned in the passage as detriments to women in the business world
except
A. women were required to stay at home with their families.
B. women lacked ability to work in business
C. women faced discrimination in business
D. women were not trained in business
4. In line 10, “that” refers to
A. a woman becomes chairman of the board. B. women working hard
C. women achieving advanced degrees D. women believing that business is a place for them
5. According to the passage, Charlotte Taylor believes that women in the 1970s
A. were unrealistic about their opportunities in business management.
B. were still more interested in education than business opportunities.
C. had fewer obstacles in business than they do today.
D. were unable to work hard enough to succeed in business.
6. The author mentions the “shoebox under the bed” in the third paragraph in order to
A. show the frugality of women in business B. show the resourcefulness of Sandra Kurtzig
C. point out that initially the financial resources of Sandra Kurtzig’s business were limited.
D. suggest that the company needed to expand.
7. In line 13, the word “this” refers to
A. women becoming entrepreneurs B. women buying cosmetics and clothing
C. women working in “women’s fields” D. women staying at home
8. The expression “ keep tabs on” is closest in meaning to
A. recognize the appearance of B. keep records of
C. provide transportation for D. pay the salaries of
9. The word “hurdles” can be best replaced by
A. fences B. obstacles C. questions D. small groups
10. It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes that businesses operated by women are small
because
A. women prefer a small intimate setting B. women can’t deal with money
C. women are not able to borrow money easily D. many women fail at large businesses
11. The author’s attitude about the future of women in business is
A. skeptical B. optimistic C. frustrated D. negative

Reading 2
The rules of etiquette in American restaurants depend upon a lot of factors the physical location of the
restaurant, e.g. rural or urban; the type of restaurant, e.g. informal or formal; and certain standards that are
more universal. In other words, some standards of etiquette vary significantly while other standards apply
almost anywhere. Learning the proper etiquette in a particular type of restaurant in a particular area may
sometimes require instruction, but more commonly it simply requires sensitivity and experience. For
example while it is acceptable to read a magazine in a coffee shop, it is inappropriate to do the same in a
more luxurious setting. And if you are eating in a very rustic setting it may be fine to tuck your napkin into
your shirt, but if you are in a sophisticated urban this behaviour would demonstrate a lack of manners. It is
safe to say, however, that in virtually every restaurant it is unacceptable to indiscriminately throw your food
on the floor. The conclusion we can most likely draw from the above is that while the types and locations of
restaurants determine etiquette appropriate to them, some rules apply to all restaurants.
1. With what topic is this passage primarily concerned?
A. rules of etiquette B. instruction in proper etiquette
C. the importance of good manners D. variable and universal standards of etiquette
2. According to the passage, which of the following is a universal rule of etiquette
A. tucking a napkin in your shirt B. not throwing food on the floor
C. reading a magazine at a coffee shop D. eating in rustic settings
3. What does the word “it” refer to ?
A. learning the proper etiquette B. clear instruction
C. knowing the type of restaurant D. sensitivity
4. Which of the following could best replace the word “luxurious”?
A. lurid B. austere C. elegant D. romantic
5. Which of the following words is most similar to the meaning of “rustic”?
A. agriculture B. ancient C. unsophisticated D. urban
6. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “tuck”?
A. put B. set B. hold D. fold
7. The word “sophisticated” could be best replaced by
A. expensive B. cultured C. famous D. exclusive
8. The word “manners” could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. experience B. character C. ceremony D. tact
9. The author uses the phrase “safe to say” in order to demonstrate that the idea is
A. somewhat innocent B. quite certain C. very clever D. commonly reported
10. The word “indiscriminately” could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. randomly B. angrily C. noisily D. destructively
11. The author uses the word “draw” to mean
A. pick out B. drag away C. evoke D. infer
12. What is the author’s main purpose in this passage?
A. to assist people in learning sophisticated manners
B. to describe variations in restaurant manners
C. to simplify rules of restaurant etiquette
D. to compare sophisticated and rustic restaurants

Reading 3
Jan Dibbets may someday have his work revered as much as his Dutch predecessors Vermeer, Van Gogh,
and Rembandt. At a time when the trends in art are toward abstraction and minimalism, Dibbets’ work
integrates these two disparate trends into one remarkable whole. In some series of composite works, he
arranged sections of architectural photographs into rounded patterns. Then, with open and ink and he
connected the segments together into 360-degree circular forms blending the abstract with the real and the
imagined. The imaginary images resemble the views of ceilings in gothic, baroque, and neo-classical
buildings as they might be seen from the ground floor.
1. What does the passage mainly discuss? Reading 3: 1.B 2. A 3. B 4. C 5.C 6.D 7. D 8. D 9.A 10.C
A. the life of Jan Dibbets B. new forms of art created by JanDibbets
C. an exhibit of abstract art D. art that follows the style of Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Rembandt
2. Which of the following words could best replace the word “revered”?
A. honored B. possessed C. modeled D. handled
3. As used in line 2, what is the meaning of the word “time”?
A. season B. period C. century D. interval
4. The word “disparate” in line 3 is closest in meaning to
A. similar B. unspoken C. different D. unknown
5. The author implies that
A. Dibbets is more well-known to some people than Vermeer
B. views of ceiling in gothic buildings are most beautiful when seen from
C. art is now becoming more abstract
D. Dibbets preferred watercolor to photography
6. The word “remarkable” could be best replaced by
A. inseparable B. unified C. clever D. extraordinary
7. The word “works” could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. deeds B. mechanisms B. operations D. creations
8. Dibbets used all of the following elements except
A. pen and ink B. watercolors C. architectural photographs D. still-life drawings
9. The word “segments” refers to
A. parts B. dots C. supports D. webs
10. The word “neo-classical” refers to
A. artistic patterns B. trends in art C. architectural styles D. museum decorations

Reading 4
Since the world has become industrialized, there has been an increase in the number of animal
species that have either become extinct or have neared extinction. Bengal tigers, for instance, which once
roamed the jungles in vast numbers, now number only about 2,300, and by the year 2025 their population is
estimated to be down to zero. What is alarming about the case of Bengal tiger is that this extinction will
have been caused almost entirely by poachers who, according to some sources, are not interested in material
gain but in personal gratification. This is an example of the callousness that is part of what is causing the
problem of extinction. Animals like the Bengal tiger, as well as other endangered species, are a valuable part
of the world’s ecosystem. International laws protecting these animals must be enacted to ensure their
survival, and the survival of our planet.
Countries around the world have begun to deal with the problem in various ways. Some countries, in order
to circumvent the problem, have allocated large amounts of land animal reserves. They then charge
admission to help defray the costs of maintaining the parks, and they often must also depend on world
organization for support. With the money they get, they can invest in equipment and patrols to protect the
animals. Another solution that is an attempt to stem the tide of animal extinction is an international boycott
of products made from endangered species. This seems fairly effective, but it will not, by itself, prevent
animals from being hunted and killed.
1. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The Bengal tiger B. International boycotts C. Endangered species D. problem with
industrialization
2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “alarming”
A. dangerous B. serious C. gripping D. distressing
3. Which of the following could best replace the word “case”?
A. act B. situation C. contrast D. trade
4. The word “poachers” could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. illegal hunters B. enterprising researchers
C. concerned scientists D. trained hunters
5. The word “callousness” could be best replaced by which of the following?
A. indirectness B. independence C. incompetence D. insensitivity
6. The above passage is divided into two paragraphs in order to contrast
A. a problem and o solution B. a statement and an illustration
C. a comparison and a contrast D. specific and general information
7. What does the word “this” refer to?
A. endangered species that are increasing B. Bengal tigers that are decreasing
C. poachers who seek personal gratification D. sources that may not be accurate
8. Where in the passage does the author discuss a cause of extinction?
A. Since the world …down to zero B. What is alarming … personal gratification.
C. Countries around … for support. D. With the money …endangered species
9. Which of the following could best replace the word “allocated”?
A. set aside B. combined C. organized D. taken off
10. The word “defray” is closest in meaning to which of the following?
A. lower B. raise C. make a payment on D. make an investment toward
11. The author uses the phrase “stem the tide” to mean
A. touch B. stop C. tax D. save
12. Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude?
A. forgiving B. concerned C. indictive D. surprised

Reading 5
Over the past 600 years, English has grown from a language of few speakers to become the dominant
language of international communication English as we know it today emerged around 1350, after living
incorporated many elements of French that were introduced following the Norman invasion of 1030. Until
the 1600s, English was, for the most part, spoken only in England and had not extended even as far as
Wales, Scotland, or Ireland. However, during the course of the next two centuries, English began to spread
around the globe as a result of exploration, trade (including slave trade), colonization, and missionary work.
Thus, small enclaves of English speakers became established and grew in various parts of the world. As
these communities proliferated, English gradually became the primary language of international business,
banking, and diplomacy.
Currently, about 80 percent of the information stored on computer system worldwide is in English. Two-
thirds of the world’s science writing is in English, and English is the main language of technology,
advertising, media, international airports, and air traffic controllers. Today there are more than 700 million
English users in the world, and over half of these are nonnative speakers, constituting the largest number of
nonnative users than any other language in the world.
1. What is the main topic of this passage?
A. The number of nonnative users of English.
B. The French influence on the English language.
C. The expansion of English as an international language.
D. The use of English for science and technology
2. The word “emerged” could best be replaced by which of the following?
A. appeared B. hailed C. frequented D. engaged
3. As used in line 3, the word “elements” is most similar to which of the following?
A. declaration B. features C. curiosities D. customs
4. Approximately when did English begin to be used beyond England?
A. in 1066 B. around 1350 C. before 1600 D. after 1600
5. According to the passage, all of the following contributed to the spread of English around the world
EXCEPT:
A. the slave trade B. the Norman invasion C. missionaries D. colonization
6. As used in line 5, which of the following is closest in meaning to the world “course”?
A. subject B. policy C. time D. track
7. The world “enclaves” in line 7 could best be replaced by which of the following?
A. communities B. organizations C. regions D. countries
8. The word “proliferated” is closest in meaning to which of the following?
A. prospered B. organized C. disbanded D. expanded
9. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the world “stored”?
A. bought B. saved C. spent D. valued
Reading 5: 1.C 2. A 3. B 4. C 5.D 6.B 7. C 8. A 9.A 10.B 11. D 12. C
10. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the world “constituting”?
A. looking after B. setting down B. doing in D. making up
11. According to the passage, approximately how many nonnative users of English are there in the world
today?
A. a quarter million B. half a million C. 350 million D. 700 million

Reading 6
May 7, 1840, was the birthday of one of the most famous Russian of the nineteenth century Peter Illich
Tchaikovsky. The son of a mining inspector, Tchaikovsky studied music as a child and later studied
composition at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. His greatest period of productivity occurred between 1876
and 1890, during which time he enjoyed the patronage of Madame von Meck, a woman he never met, who
gave him a living stipend of about $ 1,000 a year. Madame von Meck later terminated her friendship with
Tchaikovsky, as well as his living allowance, when she, herself, was facing financial difficulties. It was
during the time of Madame von Meck’s patronage, however, that Tchaikovsky created the music for which
he is most famous, including the music for the ballets of Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.
Tchaikovsky’s music, well known for its rich melodic and sometimes melancholy passages, was one of the
first that brought serious dramatic music to dance. Before this, little attention had been given to the music
behind the dance. Tchaikovsky died on November 6, 1893, ostensibly of cholera, though there are now some
scholars who argue that he committed suicide.
1. With what topic is the passage primarily concerned?
A. the life and music of Tchaikovsky.
B. development of Tchaikovsky’s music for ballets.
C. Tchaikovsky’s relationship with Madame von Meck
D. the cause of Tchaikovsky’s death
2. Tchaikovsky’s father was most probably
A. a musician B. a supervisor C. a composer D. a soldier
3. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “productivity”?
A. fertility B. affinity C. creativity D. maturity
4. The phrase “enjoyed the patronage of” probably means
A. liked the company of B. was mentally attached to
C. solicited the advice of D. was financially dependent upon
5. Which of the following could best replace the word “terminated”
A. discontinued B. resolved C. exploited D. hated
6. According to the passage, all of the following describes Madame von Meck EXCEPT:
A. She had economic troubles B. She was generous
C. She was never introduced to Tchaikovsky D. She enjoyed Tchaikovsky’s music
7. Where in the passage does the author mention Tchaikovsky’s influence on dance?
A. May 7 …St. Petersburg Conservatory B. Madame von Meck later terminated … financial difficulties
C. It was during … The Sleeping Beauty D. Tchaikovsky’s music …committed suicide
8. According to the passage, for what is Tchaikovsky’s music most well known
A. its repetitive and monotonous tones B. that ballet-like quality of the music
C. the richness and melodic drama of the music D. its lively, capricious melodies
9. According to the passage, “Swan Lake” and “The Sleeping Beauty” are
A. dances B. songs C. operas D. plays
10. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A. Tchaikovsky’s influence on ballet music B. Tchaikovsky’s unhappiness leading to suicide
B. the patronage of Madame von Meck D. Tchaikovsky’s productivity in composing
11. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “behind”?
A. supporting B. in back of D. going beyond D. concealing
12. The word “ostensibly” could be best replaced by
A. regretfully B. assuredly C. tragically D. apparently
Reading 6: 1.A 2. B 3. C 4. D 5.A 6.D 7. C 8. C 9.A 10.B 11. A 12. D
Reading 7
 A pilot cannot fly a plane by sight alone. In many conditions, such as flying at night and landing in
dense fog, a pilot must use radar an alternative way of navigating. Since human eyes are not very good at
determining speeds of approaching objects, radar can show a pilot how fast nearby planes are moving.
The basic principle of radar is exemplified by what happens when one shouts in a cave. The echo of
the sounds against the walls helps a person determine the size of the cave. With radar, however, the waves
are radio waves instead of sound waves. Radio waves travel at the speed of light, about 300,000 kilometres
in one second. A radar set sends out a short burst of radiation waves. Then it receives the echoes produced
when the waves bounce off objects. By determining the time it takes for the echoes to return to the radar set,
a trained technician can determine the distance between the radar set and other objects. The word “radar”, in
fact, get its name from the term “radio detection and ranging”. “Ranging” is the term for detection of the
distance between an object and the radar set. Besides being of critical importance o pilots, radar is essential
for air traffic control, tracking ships at sea, and for tracking weather system and storms.
1. What is the main topic of this passage?
A. the nature of radar. B. types of ranging. C. alternatives to radar. D. history of radar
2. The word “dense” could be replace by
A. cold B. wet C. dark D. thick
3. According to the passage, what can radar detect besides location of objects?
A. size B. weight C. speed D. shape
4. The word “shouts” is most similar in meaning to which of the following?
A. eavesdrops B. yells C. confesses D. whispers
5. Which of the following words best describes the tone of this passage?
A. argumentative B. imaginative C. explanatory D. humorous
6. The phrase “a burst” is closest in meaning in which of the following?
A. an attachment B. a discharge C. a stream D. a ray
7. The word “it” refers to which of the following?
A. a radar set B. a short burst C. a radiation wave D. light
8. Which of the following could best replace the word “bounce”?
A. overturn B. groove C. extend D. rebound
9. Which type of waves does radar use?
A. sound B. heat C. radio D. light
10. The word “tracking” is closest in meaning to which of the following?
A. repairing B. searching C. glancing D. fighting
11. Which of the following would most likely be the topic of the next paragraph?
A. other uses of radar B. uses of sonar technology
C. other technology used by pilots D. a history of flying
12. What might be inferred about radar?
A. it takes the place of a radio. B. It gave birth to the invention of the airplane.
C. It developed from a study of sound waves D. It has improved navigational safety.

KEY
Reading 1: 1. D 2. A 3. B 4. A 5. A 6. C 7. C 8. B 9. B 10. C 11. B
Reading 2: 1.D 2. B 3. A 4. C 5.C 6.A 7. B 8. D 9.B 10.A 11. D 12. C
Reading 3: 1.B 2. A 3. B 4. C 5.C 6.D 7. D 8. D 9.A 10.C
Reading 4: 1.C 2. D 3. B 4.A 5. D 6. A 7. C 8. B 9.A 10. C 11. B 12. B
Reading 5: 1.C 2. A 3. B 4. C 5.D 6.B 7. C 8. A 9.A 10.B 11. D 12. C
Reading 6: 1.A 2. B 3. C 4. D 5.A 6.D 7. C 8. C 9.A 10.B 11. A 12. D
Reading 7: 1.A 2. D 3. C 4. B 5.C 6.B 7. A 8. D 9.C 10.B 11. A 12. D