Bài tập luyện tập phần đọc hiểu môn Tiếng Anh Khối 9

Nội dung text: Bài tập luyện tập phần đọc hiểu môn Tiếng Anh Khối 9

1. READING PRACTISE I. Fill in each blank with one appropriate word from the box. matter consuming filthy dangerous supply available reaches contain conservation safe renewable correct Solar energy, air and water are, usually called (1) ___, resources because there is an unlimited (2) ___, of them. However, this definition may change if people are not careful with the (3) ___, of these resources. The quality of solar energy that (4) ___ the earth depends on the atmosphere. If the atmosphere is polluted, the solar energy reaching the earth may be (5) ___. If life is about to continue, the air must (6) ___ the appropriate amount of N, O2, CO2 and other gases. If humans continue to pollute the air, it will not contain the (7) ___ amount of these gases. Water is also a (8) ___ to take into consideration. Industry is making our water (9) ___. Therefore, resources must be conserved, the air and water must be protected. (10) ___ must play important part in life. II. Read the passage, and then decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F). CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL WARMING ON WILDLIFE Increasing global temperatures are expected to harm ecosystems, pushing extinction to those species that cannot adapt. The first comprehensive assessment of the extinction risk from global warming found that more than 1 million species could be extinct by 2050 if the current rate continues. A recent study of nearly 2,000 species of plants and animals discovered movement toward the poles at an average rate of 3.8 miles per decade. The latest climate change report found that approximately 20 to 30 percent of plant and animal species assessed so far are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if global average temperature increases by more than 2.7 to 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Some polar bears are drowning because they have to swim longer distances to reach ice floes. The U. S. Geological Survey has predicted that two-thirds o f the world's polar bear populations will be extinct by the mid-century due to melting of the Arctic ice cap. The ocean will continue to become more acidic due to carbon dioxide emissions. Because of this acidification, species with hard calcium carbonate shells are vulnerable, as are coral reefs, which are vital to ocean ecosystems. Scientists predict that a 3.6 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature would wipe out 97 percent of the world's coral reefs. 1. A large number o f species are at risk of extinction due to global warming. 2. The latest climate change report found that 2,000 species of plants and animals are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if global average temperature increases by more than 2.7 to 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Some polar bears are drowning because they have to travel farther to come to their natural habitat. 4. The acidification of the oceans makes coral reefs vital to ocean ecosystems. 5. A 3.6 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature is predicted to wipe out possibly 97 percent of the world's coral reefs. III .Read the text, and then do the tasks that follow. Choose Clean Energy and Help Curb Global Warming Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas provide energy for our cars and homes, but increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, contributing to global warming. However, there are choices we can make that can lessen their negative impact on the environment. Get moving - Take good care of your car and keep your tires properly inflated with air. You will use less gasoline and save money. Better yet, skip the drive and walk, take public transportation, or ride a bicycle when you can. Upgrade - Replace your old refrigerator or air-conditioner with a new energy-efficient model. Not only will you save money on your electric bill, but you’ll contribute to cutting back on the pollution that causes global warming. See the light - Use new energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce the same amount of light as older incandescent bulbs, but they use 25% less electricity and last much longer. Cut back - Try to reduce the amount of water you use for showers, laundry, and washing dishes. And turn the temperature on your hot water heater down. Recycle - Use products that are recycled from old paper, glass, and metal to reduce energy waste and pollution
2. by 70% to 90%. And before you toss things in the garbage, think about what you can reuse. Think local - Shipping foods over long distances is a waste of energy and adds to pollution. In addition, the pesticides and chemicals used to grow them are bad for the environment. So buy locally grown fruits and vegetables instead. Speak out - Talk to your classmates about your interest in curbing global warming. Support the attempts of some organizations to fund renewable and clean energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, and to protect forests. Task 1: Match a word in column A with its definition in column B, writing the answer in each blank. Answer A B 1. curb (v) A. make something smaller 2. lessen (v) B. give your opinion about something in public 3. skip (v) C. throw something carelessly 4. toss (v) D. control or limit something 5. speak out (v) E. not to do something that you usually do Task 2: Read the text, and identify whether the statements are true (T), false (F), or not given (NG). T F NG 1. Oil, coal, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels that increase global warming. □ □ □ 2. Taking care of your car tires can help the environment and your budget. □ □ □ 3. Incandescent light bulbs use less electricity than fluorescent bulbs. □ □ □ 4. Foods with pesticides are bad for your health. □ □ □ 5. Wind and solar power are renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. □ □ □ Task 3: According to the information in the text, match the beginning o f each sentence on the left with the best ending on the right, writing the answer in each blank. A B 1. An increase in carbon dioxide A. reduces pollution by 70% to 90%. 2. Energy-efficient appliances B. contributes to global warming. 3. Compact fluorescent bulbs C. take steps to curb global warming. 4. Recycling D. save electricity. 5. People can E. cut down electricity use by 25%
3. VI. NUCLEAR WEAPONS It is generally well known that in a number of particularly dangerous parts of the world, for example the Middle East and the India/Pakistan border region, there are countries which either possess, or have the hnology to produce, nuclear weapons. It is also worth remembering, however, that the country which possesses more nuclear weapons than other, the United States, is the only power ever to have used nuclear weapons against people. Nuclear weapons were first developed in the United States during the Second World War, to be used against Germany. However, by the time the first bombs were ready for use, the war with Germany had ended and, as a result, the decision was made to use the weapons against Japan instead. Hiroshima and Nagasaki have suffered the consequences of this decision to the present day. The real reasons why bombs were dropped on two heavily-populated cities are not altogether clear. A number of people in 1944 and early 1945 argued that the use of nuclear weapons would be unnecessary, since American Intelligence was aware that some of the most powerful and influential people in Japan had already realized that the war was lost, and wanted tonegotiate a Japanese surrender. It was also argued that, since Japan has few natural resources, a blockade by the American navy would force it to surrender within a few weeks, and the use of nuclear weapons would thus prove unnecessary. If a demonstration of force was required to end the war, a bomb could be dropped over an unpopulated area like a desert, in front of Japanese observers, or over an area of low population inside Japan, such as a forest. Opting for this course of action might minimize the loss of further lives on all sides, while the power of nuclear weapons would still be adequately demonstrated. All of these arguments were rejected, however, and the general consensus was that the quickest way to end the fighting would be to use nuclear weapons against centres of population inside Japan. In fact, two of the more likely reasons why this decision was reached seem quite shocking to us now. Since the beginning of the Second World War both Germany and Japan had adopted a policy of genocide (i.e. killing as many people as possible, including civilians). Later on, even the US and Britain had used the strategy of fire bombing cities. Dresden and Tokyo, for example, in order to kill, injure and intimidate as many civilians as possible. Certainly, the general public in the West had become used to hearing about the deaths of large numbers of people, so the deaths of another few thousand Japanese, who were the enemy in any case, would not seem particularly unacceptable - a bit of "justifiable" revenge for the Allies' own losses, perhaps. The second reason is not much easier to comprehend. Some of the leading scientists in the world had collaborated to develop nuclear weapons, and this cevelopment had resulted in a number of major advances in technology and scientific knowledge. As a result, a lot of normal, intelligent people wanted to see nuclear weapons used, they wanted to see just how destructive this new invention could be. It no doubt turned out to be even more "effective" than they had imagined. 1. In paragraph 1, the writer is suggesting that . A. the United States should, if necessary, use nuclear weapons again. B. the United States is more likely than other countries to use nuclear we ipons. C. the United States is one of several countries to have used nuclear weapons. D. the United States could potentially use nuclear weapons again. 2. The writer refers to "normal, intelligent" people in paragraph 6 because A. he wants to emphasize the fact that they were among the cleverest scientists.
4. B. he feels the decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan was correct C. he believes this makes the decision to use nuclear weapons seem more shocking. D. he wants to show how many people wanted to observe the bombs being dropped. 3. According to paragraph 3, a blockade would have been successful because A. Japan has to import most of its natural resources like coal and steel. B. Japan would not be resourceful enough to beat a blockade. C. an attack would probably destroy Japanese resources within a few weeks. D. the Americans could defeat Japan's navy since it was short of resources. 4. In the last sentence of paragraph 6, the writer implies that A. he agrees with the decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan. B. he thinks the decision to drop nuclear bombs on Japanese c&Mies was wrong. C. nuclear weapons worked much better than the scientists probably expected. D. the weapons proved to be effective because Japan surrendered soon after. 5. The first sentence of paragraph 6 suggests the writer believes that . A. the decisions were made by intelligent people and were difficult to follow. B. his presentation of the argument in paragraph 5 is difficult to understand. C. the reasons given for the decision are hard for us to accept nowadays. D. the decisions were complex and made by highly intelligent people. 6. According to paragraph 5, which of the following is true ? A. people in the West had got used to hearing the sounds of people dying. B. it would probably not be wise to inform people in the West of the deaths. C. scientists thought only a few thousand people would die if the bombs were used. D. people in the West would accept that some people had to die to end the war. 7. How many reasons against using the weapons are given in paragraph 3? A. two B. three C. four D. five 8. From the last sentence of paragraph 4, we can infer that . A. the real reasons for the decision ma}' never have been made clear. B. the writer probably expects us not to agree with his opinion. C. the writer has not done much research on this subject to establish the facts. D. the writer has attempted to present the facts as objectively as possible. 9. What does "this" refer to in paragraph 3? A. blockading Japan and dropping a nuclear bomb on an area of low population B. using a bomb against some Japanese observers or on an area of low population C. dropping a bomb in an area of low population in front of Japanese witnesses D. dropping a nuclear weapon over a forest in Japan 10. Which of the following could best replace "natural resources" in paragraph 3 ? A. characteristics such as determination and resourcefulness B. ports and harbours C. workers with natural ability D. materials such as coal and iron 11. Which is closest in meaning to the last sentence of paragraph 2? A. the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were badly damaged where they were bombed B. Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered because Japan would not agree to end the war C. the awful effects of dropping nuclear bombs on these cities car still be felt D. the end of the war with Germany meant that Hiroshima and Nagasaki would suffer 12. "justifiable" in paragraph 5 is in inverted commas because . A. the word is used in an unusual way. B. the writer is quoting from the decision makers. C. it is not really correct English. D. it might not be altogether appropriate here. VII. WARNING ON GLOBAL WARMING Global warming could cause drought and possibly famine in China the source of much of Hong Kong's food, by
5. 2050, a new report predicts. Hong Kong could also be at risk from flooding as sea levels rose The report recommends building seawalls around low-lying areas such as the new port and airport reclamations. Published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the report, which includes work by members of the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, uses the most recent projections on climate change to point to a gloomy outlook for China. By 2050 about 30 to 40 per cent of the country will experience changes in the type of vegetation it supports, with tropical and sub-tropical forest conditions shifting northward and hot desert conditions rising in the west where currently the desert is temperate. Crop-growing areas will expand but any benefit is expected to be negated by increased evaporation of moisture, making it too dry to grow crops such as rice. The growing season also is expected to alter, becoming shorter in southern and central China, the mainland's breadbasket. The rapid changes make it unlikely that plants could adapt. "China will produce smaller crops. In the central and northern areas, and the southern part, there will be decreased production because of water limitations," Dr. Rik Leemans, one of the authors of the report, said during a brief visit to the territory yesterday. Famine could result because of the demands of feeding the population - particularly if it grows - and the diminished productivity of the land. "It looks very difficult for the world as a whole," he said. Global warming is caused by the burning of large amounts of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, which release gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. World temperatures already have increased this century by about 0.6 degrees Celsius and are projected to rise by between 1.6 degrees and 3.8 degrees by 2100. Dr. Leemans said China's reliance on coal-fired power for its indus-trial growth did not bode well for the world climate. "I think the political and economic powers in China are much greater than the environ-mental powers, and [greenhouse gas emissions] could accelerate," Dr-Leemans said. "China is not taking the problem seriously yet, although it is trying to incorporate this kind of research to see what is going to happen." The climate change report, which will be released tomorrow, focuse on China but Mr David Melville of WWF-Hong Kong said some of the depressing scenarios could apply to the territory. Food supplies, for instance, could be affected by lower crop yields. "Maybe we could afford to import food from elsewhere but you have to keep in mind that the type of changes experienced in southern China will take place elsewhere as well," he said. Sea levels could rise as glaciers melted and the higher temperatures expanded the size of the oceans, threatening much of developed Hong Kong which is built on reclaimed land. Current projections are that sea levels worldwide will rise by 15 to 90 centimetres by 2100, depending on whether action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Hong Kong has substantial areas built on reclaimed land and sea level rises could impact on that, not only on Chek Lap Kok but the West Kowloon Reclamation and the Central and Western Reclamation - the whole lot," Mr Melville said, adding that sea-walls would be needed. Depleted fresh water supplies would be another problem because increased evaporation would reduce levels. Mr Melville said the general outlook could be helped if Hong Kong used water less wastefully and encouraged energy efficiency to reduce fuel-burning. He also called on the West to help China improve its efficiency. 1. Overall, what sort of picture is painted of the future effects of global warming? A. disastrous B. potentially disastrous C. relatively optimistic D. on balance things are going to be satisfactory 2. What is this passage? A. a report B. a preview of a report C. an article describing a response to a report D. an article previewing a report 3. Mr David Melville suggests that in future more food could be imported into Hong Kong. He thinks these measures could be A. efficient B. sufficient C. insufficient D. inefficient 4. The main point of paragraph 3 is to describe A. effects of changes in the climate of China on food production B. future changes in the climate of China C. effects of changes in the climate of China on the growing season D. projected future changes in the climate of China 5. The main point of paragraph 5 is to describe A. global warming B. the effects of global warming
6. C. the causes and projected effects of global warming D. the causes and effects of global warming 6. Why does the writer add the information in square brackets in paragraph 5? A. because the quote is from a second language user whose com mand of English is not perfect. B. because, although they are not part of the original quote, the additional information given is necessary to understand the statement. C. because the writer is quoting from another source. D. because the writer wants to emphasize the meaning of these words. 7. In paragraph 7, which point is Mr Melville NOT making? A. suggesting that there is a potential disaster in Hong Kong B. suggesting that reclamation areas are at risk C. criticising current safeguards D. making a call for action 8. How would you describe the Dr. Leeman's attitude towards China? A. mainly favourable B. critical C. supportive in theory D. admiring 9. In paragraph 2 "negated" is closest in meaning to . A. made possible B. made ineffective C. reduced D. paid for 10. In paragraph 7 "depleted" could be replaced by which of the following? A. reduced B. poor C. decaying D. decimated VIII. WORLD POPULATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE In many ways, the increasingly rapid pace of climate change is a direct result of the growth of the human population. In the last 100 years, the world population has more than tripled, from just under 2 billion at the beginning of the century to nearly 7 billion today. Obviously, this has meant that the world has needed to produce three times as much food, energy, and other natural resources. In addition, the average person uses more energy and natural resources than the average person one hundred years ago, meaning that the rates of consumption are actually much higher than just the increase in population would imply. For example, it took the world 125 years to use the first one trillion barrels of oil. The next trillion barrels will be used in less than 30 years, which is almost 5 times as fast, not three. All of these activities: food production, energy usage, and the use of natural resources, contribute to climate change in some way. The greater amounts of oil and other fuels burned to create energy release chemicals which add to global warming. In order to produce more food farmers cut down trees to gain more land for their fields. In addition, we cut down trees to build the houses needed for a larger population. Those trees are an essential part of controlling global warming. These are just two examples of the impacts that the growing population has on global warming; others are too numerous to mention. In addition to a growing population, the world also has a population that desires a higher standard of living than in the past, and a higher standard of living requires the use of even more natural resources. A look at one country will provide a clear example of this fact. China is the world's most populous nation, with 1.3 billion people. Currently, the standard of living for most of those people is far below that of people in first world nations. Therefore, the average Chinese citizen uses far fever natural resources and less energy than the average citizen of the US or Japan. But China is growing in power, and more of its citizens are beginning to expect a first world lifestyle. If every Chinese person attains a first world lifestyle, the amount of energy and natural resources needed in the world will double, even if the standard of living in every other nation on Earth remains the same as it is today. 1. The word "pace" in the passage is closest in meaning to . . A. growth B. speed C. problem D. pollution 2. The word "consumption" in the passage is closest in meaning to . A. development B. usage C. population D. increase 3. According to the passage, how does food production contribute to global warming? A. Producing more food leads to growth in the world population. B. Food production uses many chemicals which add to global warming. C. Food production requires that the forests be cleared to create farmland. D. Food production decreases the ability of the air to release heat. 4. Why does the author mention the rate at which oil is being used paragraph 1?
7. A. To illustrate that we are using resources faster than the speec at which the population is growing. B. To suggest that most of the problems of global warming are associated with our rapid use of oil. C. To suggest that our oil is likely to run out sometime in the next thirty years. D. To contrast the differences in lifestyle between people giving 100 years ago and people living today. 5. The word others in the passage refers to . . A. problems of global warming in the modern world B. examples of the environmental consequences of population growth C. ways in which our usage of oil will effect the world climate D. the reasons why trees are essential in controlling global warming 6. According to the passage, how does the standard of living affect global warming? A. Higher standards of living are better for the environment. B. First world nations create less population than developing nations. C. The use of natural resources is directly related to the standard of living. D. High standards of living lead to increases in world population. 7. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence (in bold) in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information. A. If China becomes a first world nation and all other nations keep their current standard of living, the usage of energy and natural resources will double. B. If China doubles its usage of natural resources, its will attain a better standard of living, but other nations will have to remain as they are today. C. Even if the standard of living in every other nation on Earth re mains as its is today, China will still try to attain a first world standard of living. D. When China attains a first world lifestyle, the amount of energy and natural resources used by other nations to keep their cur rent standard of living will double. 8. Why does the author discuss China, Japan, and the United States? A. To compare the standards of their citizens B. To explain why China will not be able to become a first world nation C. To better illustrate the effects of an increase in standards of living D. To explain why the world's use of energy will need to double soon
8. READING PRACTISE I. Fill in each blank with one appropriate word from the box. Matter 8 consuming filthy 9 dangerous 5 supply 2 available Reaches 4 contain 6 conservation 10 safe 3 renewable1 correct 7 Solar energy, air and water are, usually called (1) ___, resources because there is an unlimited (2) ___, of them. However, this definition may change if people are not careful with the (3) ___, of these resources. The quality of solar energy that (4) ___ the earth depends on the atmosphere. If the atmosphere is polluted, the solar energy reaching the earth may be (5) ___. If life is about to continue, the air must (6) ___ the appropriate amount of N, O2, CO2 and other gases. If humans continue to pollute the air, it will not contain the (7) ___ amount of these gases. Water is also a (8) ___ to take into consideration. Industry is making our water (9) ___. Therefore, resources must be conserved, the air and water must be protected. (10) ___ must play important part in life. II. Read the passage, and then decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F). CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL WARMING ON WILDLIFE Increasing global temperatures are expected to harm ecosystems, pushing extinction to those species that cannot adapt. The first comprehensive assessment of the extinction risk from global warming found that more than 1 million species could be extinct by 2050 if the current rate continues. A recent study of nearly 2,000 species of plants and animals discovered movement toward the poles at an average rate of 3.8 miles per decade. The latest climate change report found that approximately 20 to 30 percent of plant and animal species assessed so far are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if global average temperature increases by more than 2.7 to 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Some polar bears are drowning because they have to swim longer distances to reach ice floes. The U. S. Geological Survey has predicted that two-thirds o f the world's polar bear populations will be extinct by the mid-century due to melting of the Arctic ice cap. The ocean will continue to become more acidic due to carbon dioxide emissions. Because of this acidification, species with hard calcium carbonate shells are vulnerable, as are coral reefs, which are vital to ocean ecosystems. Scientists predict that a 3.6 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature would wipe out 97 percent of the world's coral reefs. 1. A large number o f species are at risk of extinction due to global warming. T 2. The latest climate change report found that 2,000 species of plants and animals are likely to be at increased risk of extinction if global average temperature increases by more than 2.7 to 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit. F 3. Some polar bears are drowning because they have to travel farther to come to their natural habitat. F 4. The acidification of the oceans makes coral reefs vital to ocean ecosystems. F 5. A 3.6 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature is predicted to wipe out possibly 97 percent of the world's coral reefs. T III .Read the text, and then do the tasks that follow. Choose Clean Energy and Help Curb Global Warming Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas provide energy for our cars and homes, but increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, contributing to global warming. However, there are choices we can make that can lessen their negative impact on the environment. Get moving - Take good care of your car and keep your tires properly inflated with air. You will use less gasoline and save money. Better yet, skip the drive and walk, take public transportation, or ride a bicycle when you can. Upgrade - Replace your old refrigerator or air-conditioner with a new energy-efficient model. Not only will you save money on your electric bill, but you’ll contribute to cutting back on the pollution that causes global warming. See the light - Use new energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce the same amount of light as older incandescent bulbs, but they use 25% less electricity and last much longer. Cut back - Try to reduce the amount of water you use for showers, laundry, and washing dishes. And turn the temperature on your hot water heater down. Recycle - Use products that are recycled from old paper, glass, and metal to reduce energy waste and pollution
9. by 70% to 90%. And before you toss things in the garbage, think about what you can reuse. Think local - Shipping foods over long distances is a waste of energy and adds to pollution. In addition, the pesticides and chemicals used to grow them are bad for the environment. So buy locally grown fruits and vegetables instead. Speak out - Talk to your classmates about your interest in curbing global warming. Support the attempts of some organizations to fund renewable and clean energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, and to protect forests. Task 1: Match a word in column A with its definition in column B, writing the answer in each blank. Answer A B 1. D 1. curb (v) A. make something smaller 2. A 2. lessen (v) B. give your opinion about something in public 3. E 3. skip (v) C. throw something carelessly 4. C 4. toss (v) D. control or limit something 5. B 5. speak out (v) E. not to do something that you usually do Task 2: Read the text, and identify whether the statements are true (T), false (F), or not given (NG). T F NG 1. Oil, coal, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels that increase global warming. T □ □ □ 2. Taking care of your car tires can help the environment and your budget. T □ □ □ 3. Incandescent light bulbs use less electricity than fluorescent bulbs. F □ □ □ 4. Foods with pesticides are bad for your health. T □ □ □ 5. Wind and solar power are renewable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. NG □ □ □ Task 3: According to the information in the text, match the beginning o f each sentence on the left with the best ending on the right, writing the answer in each blank. A B 1. An increase in carbon dioxide B A. reduces pollution by 70% to 90%. 2. Energy-efficient appliances D B. contributes to global warming. 3. Compact fluorescent bulbs E C. take steps to curb global warming. 4. Recycling A D. save electricity. 5. People can C E. cut down electricity use by 25%
10. VI. NUCLEAR WEAPONS It is generally well known that in a number of particularly dangerous parts of the world, for example the Middle East and the India/Pakistan border region, there are countries which either possess, or have the hnology to produce, nuclear weapons. It is also worth remembering, however, that the country which possesses more nuclear weapons than other, the United States, is the only power ever to have used nuclear weapons against people. Nuclear weapons were first developed in the United States during the Second World War, to be used against Germany. However, by the time the first bombs were ready for use, the war with Germany had ended and, as a result, the decision was made to use the weapons against Japan instead. Hiroshima and Nagasaki have suffered the consequences of this decision to the present day. The real reasons why bombs were dropped on two heavily-populated cities are not altogether clear. A number of people in 1944 and early 1945 argued that the use of nuclear weapons would be unnecessary, since American Intelligence was aware that some of the most powerful and influential people in Japan had already realized that the war was lost, and wanted tonegotiate a Japanese surrender. It was also argued that, since Japan has few natural resources, a blockade by the American navy would force it to surrender within a few weeks, and the use of nuclear weapons would thus prove unnecessary. If a demonstration of force was required to end the war, a bomb could be dropped over an unpopulated area like a desert, in front of Japanese observers, or over an area of low population inside Japan, such as a forest. Opting for this course of action might minimize the loss of further lives on all sides, while the power of nuclear weapons would still be adequately demonstrated. All of these arguments were rejected, however, and the general consensus was that the quickest way to end the fighting would be to use nuclear weapons against centres of population inside Japan. In fact, two of the more likely reasons why this decision was reached seem quite shocking to us now. Since the beginning of the Second World War both Germany and Japan had adopted a policy of genocide (i.e. killing as many people as possible, including civilians). Later on, even the US and Britain had used the strategy of fire bombing cities. Dresden and Tokyo, for example, in order to kill, injure and intimidate as many civilians as possible. Certainly, the general public in the West had become used to hearing about the deaths of large numbers of people, so the deaths of another few thousand Japanese, who were the enemy in any case, would not seem particularly unacceptable - a bit of "justifiable" revenge for the Allies' own losses, perhaps. The second reason is not much easier to comprehend. Some of the leading scientists in the world had collaborated to develop nuclear weapons, and this cevelopment had resulted in a number of major advances in technology and scientific knowledge. As a result, a lot of normal, intelligent people wanted to see nuclear weapons used, they wanted to see just how destructive this new invention could be. It no doubt turned out to be even more "effective" than they had imagined. 1. In paragraph 1, the writer is suggesting that . A. the United States should, if necessary, use nuclear weapons again. B. the United States is more likely than other countries to use nuclear we ipons. C. the United States is one of several countries to have used nuclear weapons. D. the United States could potentially use nuclear weapons again. 2. The writer refers to "normal, intelligent" people in paragraph 6 because A. he wants to emphasize the fact that they were among the cleverest scientists.
11. B. he feels the decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan was correct C. he believes this makes the decision to use nuclear weapons seem more shocking. D. he wants to show how many people wanted to observe the bombs being dropped. 3. According to paragraph 3, a blockade would have been successful because A. Japan has to import most of its natural resources like coal and steel. B. Japan would not be resourceful enough to beat a blockade. C. an attack would probably destroy Japanese resources within a few weeks. D. the Americans could defeat Japan's navy since it was short of resources. 4. In the last sentence of paragraph 6, the writer implies that A. he agrees with the decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan. B. he thinks the decision to drop nuclear bombs on Japanese c&Mies was wrong. C. nuclear weapons worked much better than the scientists probably expected. D. the weapons proved to be effective because Japan surrendered soon after. 5. The first sentence of paragraph 6 suggests the writer believes that . A. the decisions were made by intelligent people and were difficult to follow. B. his presentation of the argument in paragraph 5 is difficult to understand. C. the reasons given for the decision are hard for us to accept nowadays. D. the decisions were complex and made by highly intelligent people. 6. According to paragraph 5, which of the following is true ? A. people in the West had got used to hearing the sounds of people dying. B. it would probably not be wise to inform people in the West of the deaths. C. scientists thought only a few thousand people would die if the bombs were used. D. people in the West would accept that some people had to die to end the war. 7. How many reasons against using the weapons are given in paragraph 3? A. two B. three C. four D. five 8. From the last sentence of paragraph 4, we can infer that . A. the real reasons for the decision ma}' never have been made clear. B. the writer probably expects us not to agree with his opinion. C. the writer has not done much research on this subject to establish the facts. D. the writer has attempted to present the facts as objectively as possible. 9. What does "this" refer to in paragraph 3? A. blockading Japan and dropping a nuclear bomb on an area of low population B. using a bomb against some Japanese observers or on an area of low population C. dropping a bomb in an area of low population in front of Japanese witnesses D. dropping a nuclear weapon over a forest in Japan 10. Which of the following could best replace "natural resources" in paragraph 3 ? A. characteristics such as determination and resourcefulness B. ports and harbours C. workers with natural ability D. materials such as coal and iron 11. Which is closest in meaning to the last sentence of paragraph 2? A. the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were badly damaged where they were bombed B. Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered because Japan would not agree to end the war C. the awful effects of dropping nuclear bombs on these cities car still be felt D. the end of the war with Germany meant that Hiroshima and Nagasaki would suffer 12. "justifiable" in paragraph 5 is in inverted commas because . A. the word is used in an unusual way. B. the writer is quoting from the decision makers. C. it is not really correct English. D. it might not be altogether appropriate here. VII. WARNING ON GLOBAL WARMING Global warming could cause drought and possibly famine in China the source of much of Hong Kong's food, by
12. 2050, a new report predicts. Hong Kong could also be at risk from flooding as sea levels rose The report recommends building seawalls around low-lying areas such as the new port and airport reclamations. Published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the report, which includes work by members of the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, uses the most recent projections on climate change to point to a gloomy outlook for China. By 2050 about 30 to 40 per cent of the country will experience changes in the type of vegetation it supports, with tropical and sub-tropical forest conditions shifting northward and hot desert conditions rising in the west where currently the desert is temperate. Crop-growing areas will expand but any benefit is expected to be negated by increased evaporation of moisture, making it too dry to grow crops such as rice. The growing season also is expected to alter, becoming shorter in southern and central China, the mainland's breadbasket. The rapid changes make it unlikely that plants could adapt. "China will produce smaller crops. In the central and northern areas, and the southern part, there will be decreased production because of water limitations," Dr. Rik Leemans, one of the authors of the report, said during a brief visit to the territory yesterday. Famine could result because of the demands of feeding the population - particularly if it grows - and the diminished productivity of the land. "It looks very difficult for the world as a whole," he said. Global warming is caused by the burning of large amounts of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, which release gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. World temperatures already have increased this century by about 0.6 degrees Celsius and are projected to rise by between 1.6 degrees and 3.8 degrees by 2100. Dr. Leemans said China's reliance on coal-fired power for its indus-trial growth did not bode well for the world climate. "I think the political and economic powers in China are much greater than the environ-mental powers, and [greenhouse gas emissions] could accelerate," Dr-Leemans said. "China is not taking the problem seriously yet, although it is trying to incorporate this kind of research to see what is going to happen." The climate change report, which will be released tomorrow, focuse on China but Mr David Melville of WWF-Hong Kong said some of the depressing scenarios could apply to the territory. Food supplies, for instance, could be affected by lower crop yields. "Maybe we could afford to import food from elsewhere but you have to keep in mind that the type of changes experienced in southern China will take place elsewhere as well," he said. Sea levels could rise as glaciers melted and the higher temperatures expanded the size of the oceans, threatening much of developed Hong Kong which is built on reclaimed land. Current projections are that sea levels worldwide will rise by 15 to 90 centimetres by 2100, depending on whether action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Hong Kong has substantial areas built on reclaimed land and sea level rises could impact on that, not only on Chek Lap Kok but the West Kowloon Reclamation and the Central and Western Reclamation - the whole lot," Mr Melville said, adding that sea-walls would be needed. Depleted fresh water supplies would be another problem because increased evaporation would reduce levels. Mr Melville said the general outlook could be helped if Hong Kong used water less wastefully and encouraged energy efficiency to reduce fuel-burning. He also called on the West to help China improve its efficiency. 1. Overall, what sort of picture is painted of the future effects of global warming? A. disastrous B. potentially disastrous C. relatively optimistic D. on balance things are going to be satisfactory 2. What is this passage? A. a report B. a preview of a report C. an article describing a response to a report D. an article previewing a report 3. Mr David Melville suggests that in future more food could be imported into Hong Kong. He thinks these measures could be A. efficient B. sufficient C. insufficient D. inefficient 4. The main point of paragraph 3 is to describe A. effects of changes in the climate of China on food production B. future changes in the climate of China C. effects of changes in the climate of China on the growing season D. projected future changes in the climate of China 5. The main point of paragraph 5 is to describe
13. A. global warming B. the effects of global warming C. the causes and projected effects of global warming D. the causes and effects of global warming 6. Why does the writer add the information in square brackets in paragraph 5? A. because the quote is from a second language user whose com mand of English is not perfect. B. because, although they are not part of the original quote, the additional information given is necessary to understand the statement. C. because the writer is quoting from another source. D. because the writer wants to emphasize the meaning of these words. 7. In paragraph 7, which point is Mr Melville NOT making? A. suggesting that there is a potential disaster in Hong Kong B. suggesting that reclamation areas are at risk C. criticising current safeguards D. making a call for action 8. How would you describe the Dr. Leeman's attitude towards China? A. mainly favourable B. critical C. supportive in theory D. admiring 9. In paragraph 2 "negated" is closest in meaning to . A. made possible B. made ineffective C. reduced D. paid for 10. In paragraph 7 "depleted" could be replaced by which of the following? A. reduced B. poor C. decaying D. decimated VIII. WORLD POPULATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE In many ways, the increasingly rapid pace of climate change is a direct result of the growth of the human population. In the last 100 years, the world population has more than tripled, from just under 2 billion at the beginning of the century to nearly 7 billion today. Obviously, this has meant that the world has needed to produce three times as much food, energy, and other natural resources. In addition, the average person uses more energy and natural resources than the average person one hundred years ago, meaning that the rates of consumption are actually much higher than just the increase in population would imply. For example, it took the world 125 years to use the first one trillion barrels of oil. The next trillion barrels will be used in less than 30 years, which is almost 5 times as fast, not three. All of these activities: food production, energy usage, and the use of natural resources, contribute to climate change in some way. The greater amounts of oil and other fuels burned to create energy release chemicals which add to global warming. In order to produce more food farmers cut down trees to gain more land for their fields. In addition, we cut down trees to build the houses needed for a larger population. Those trees are an essential part of controlling global warming. These are just two examples of the impacts that the growing population has on global warming; others are too numerous to mention. In addition to a growing population, the world also has a population that desires a higher standard of living than in the past, and a higher standard of living requires the use of even more natural resources. A look at one country will provide a clear example of this fact. China is the world's most populous nation, with 1.3 billion people. Currently, the standard of living for most of those people is far below that of people in first world nations. Therefore, the average Chinese citizen uses far fever natural resources and less energy than the average citizen of the US or Japan. But China is growing in power, and more of its citizens are beginning to expect a first world lifestyle. If every Chinese person attains a first world lifestyle, the amount of energy and natural resources needed in the world will double, even if the standard of living in every other nation on Earth remains the same as it is today. 1. The word "pace" in the passage is closest in meaning to . . A. growth B. speed C. problem D. pollution 2. The word "consumption" in the passage is closest in meaning to . A. development B. usage C. population D. increase 3. According to the passage, how does food production contribute to global warming? A. Producing more food leads to growth in the world population. B. Food production uses many chemicals which add to global warming. C. Food production requires that the forests be cleared to create farmland. D. Food production decreases the ability of the air to release heat.
14. 4. Why does the author mention the rate at which oil is being used paragraph 1? A. To illustrate that we are using resources faster than the speec at which the population is growing. B. To suggest that most of the problems of global warming are associated with our rapid use of oil. C. To suggest that our oil is likely to run out sometime in the next thirty years. D. To contrast the differences in lifestyle between people giving 100 years ago and people living today. 5. The word others in the passage refers to . . A. problems of global warming in the modern world B. examples of the environmental consequences of population growth C. ways in which our usage of oil will effect the world climate D. the reasons why trees are essential in controlling global warming 6. According to the passage, how does the standard of living affect global warming? A. Higher standards of living are better for the environment. B. First world nations create less population than developing nations. C. The use of natural resources is directly related to the standard of living. D. High standards of living lead to increases in world population. 7. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence (in bold) in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information. A. If China becomes a first world nation and all other nations keep their current standard of living, the usage of energy and natural resources will double. B. If China doubles its usage of natural resources, its will attain a better standard of living, but other nations will have to remain as they are today. C. Even if the standard of living in every other nation on Earth re mains as its is today, China will still try to attain a first world standard of living. D. When China attains a first world lifestyle, the amount of energy and natural resources used by other nations to keep their cur rent standard of living will double. 8. Why does the author discuss China, Japan, and the United States? A. To compare the standards of their citizens B. To explain why China will not be able to become a first world nation C. To better illustrate the effects of an increase in standards of living D. To explain why the world's use of energy will need to double soon