PRACTICE TEST 12

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word whose underlined part differs
from the other three in pronunciation in each of the following questions.
Question 1: A. climber B. subtle C. debtor D. probable
Question 2: A. unity B. suite C. studious D. volume
Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other
three in the position of the primary stress in each of the following questions.
Question 3: A. catalogue B. competitive C. experienced D. pedestrian
Question 4: A. conservative B. conference C. proficiency D. industrial
Question 5: A. advertise B. practice C. advise D. promise
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the
following questions.
Question 6: Man has set foot on the Moon and he is now planning …………… to Venus and back.
A. travelling B. travel C. to have travelled D. to travel
Question 7: “Where’s that …………… dress that your boyfriend gave you?”
A. lovely long pink silk B. lovely pink long silk
C. long pink silk lovely D. pink long lovely silk
Question 8: I’ve seen that famous actor on television, but I’ve never seen him …………… person.
A. by B. on C. of D. in
Question 9: Jack …………… yet, otherwise he would have telephoned me.
A. can’t have arrived B. mustn’t have arrived
C. needn’t have arrived D. shouldn’t have arrived
Question 10: British and Australian people share the same language, but in other aspects they are as
different as ……………
A. cats and dogs B. chalk and cheese C. salt and pepper D. here and there
Question 11: That book is written by a famous anthropologist. It’s about the people in Samoa
…………… for two years.
A. that she lived B. that she lived among them
C. among whom she lived D. where she lived among them
Question 12: …………… is the price of the car.
A. What interested in us B. That we are interested in
C. That interested us D. What we are interested in
Question 13: The purpose of a labour union is to improve the working condition, ……………, and pay
of its members.
A. jobs are secure B. to be secure C. the job’s security D. job security
Question 14: Only when you become a parent …………… what true responsibility is.
A. you will understand B. don’t you understand
C. will you understand D. would you understand
Question 15: - “Would you bother if I had a look at your paper?” - “……………”
A. You’re welcome B. Well, actually I’d rather you didn’t
C. That’s a good idea D. Oh, I didn’t realize that
Question 16: …………… home schooling is very successful, many people still believe in the benefits of
traditional schooling.
A. Even though B. Despite that C. Because D. In spite of
Question 17: - Lisa: “Have you been able to reach Peter?” - Gina: “……………”
A. That’s no approval B. Yes, I’ve known him for years
C. No, the line is busy D. It’s much too high
Question 18: You can’t get a soda on that machine. There’s a sign on it says that “……………”.
A. Out of job B. Out of order C. Out of mind D. Out of hand
Question 19: If you’re telling some to ……………, you’re telling them to relax.
A. calm down B. calm on C. calm in D. calm out
Question 20: Good health and good methods of study are very necessary, or …… for success in college.
A. dependable B. efficient C. available D. essential
Question 21: My mother …………… her services for an environmental group. She helps raise money to
protect wildlife.
A. identifies B. encourages C. shares D. volunteers
Question 22: Stop …………… about the bush, John! Just tell me exactly what the problem is.
A. rushing B. hiding C. beating D. moving
Question 23: The rhinoceros, whose numbers have dropped alarmingly recently, has been declared a(n)
…………… species.
A. endanger B. endangered C. dangerous D. danger
Question 24: Overpopulation tends to create conditions which may result in …………… of food in
developing countries.
A. shortages B. surpluses C. failures D. supplies
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) SIMILAR in meaning to the
underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.
Question 25: The twentieth century saw a rapid rise in life expectancy due to improvement in public
health, nutrition and medicine.
A. anticipation B. expectation C. span D. prospect
Question 26: The tiny irrigation channels were everywhere and along some of them the water was
running.
A. flushing out with water B. supplying water
C. cleaning with water D. washing out with water
Question 27: Thanks to the invention of microscope, biologists can now gain insights into the nature of
the human cell.
A. deep understanding B. far-sighted views
C. spectacular sightings D. in-depth studies
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to
the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions.
Question 28: About 95 percent of all animals are invertebrates which can live anywhere, but most, like
the starfish and crabs, live in the ocean.
A. with ribs B. without ribs C. without backbones D. with backbones
Question 29: Mr. Smith’s new neighbors appear to be very friendly.
A. amicable B. inapplicable C. hostile D. futile
Mark the letter A, B C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the underlined part that needs
correction in each of the following questions .
Question 30: So extensive the lakes are that they are viewed as the largest bodies of fresh water in the
world. A B C D
Question 31: A basic knowledge of social studies, such as history and geography, are considered a basic
A B C
part of the education of every child.
D
Question 32: Regardless of your teaching method, the objective of any conversation class should be for
A B C
the students to practise speaking words.
D
Question 33: Have you considered to move to another city to find a new job that uses the same skills but
A B C
offers a better salary?
 D
Question 34: Scientists say that the Earth is unique because no other planet has conditions which
A B
enables the existence of intelligent life.
C D
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.
Our classes take place for three hours every morning from Monday to Friday. The (35) ………
class size is twelve and the average is ten. We use modern methods (36) ……… teaching and learning,
and the school has a language laboratory, a video camera and recorders. You will only be successful in
improving your English; however, if you work hard and practise (37) ……… English as much as you
can. You will take a short (38) ……… in English as soon as you arrive. In this way, we can put you in a
(39) ……… at the most suitable level.
There are two classes at the Elementary level: one is for complete (40) ……… and the other is
for students who know only a little English. In both classes you will practise simple conversations. In
the class at the Intermediate level, you will have a lot of practice in communication in (41) ………
situations because we help you to use the English you have previously (42) ……… in your own country.
You will also have the chance to improve your (43) ……… of English grammar and to build up your
vocabulary.
The emphasis is on oral communication practice in a wide (44) ……… of situations at the
advanced knowledge. You will learn how to use language correctly and appropriately when you talk to
native speakers. In addition, you will develop such study skills as reading efficiently, writing articles and
reports, and note-taking from books and lectures.
Question 35: A. maximum B. minimum C. small D. large
Question 36: A. in B. of C. on D. for
Question 37: A. speak B. to speak C. speaking D. of speaking
Question 38: A. test B. exam C. course D. lesson
Question 39: A. form B. class C. grade D. course
Question 40: A. starters B. beginners C. new-comers D. learners
Question 41: A. life-real B. real-life C. real lives D. lives-real
Question 42: A. got B. gained C. studied D. learnt
Question 43: A. knowing B. knowledge C. known D. acknowledgement
Question 44: A. variety B. amount C. number D. lot
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 question s from 45 to 54.
Carnegie Hall, the famous concert hall in New York City, has again undergone a restoration.
While this is not the first, it is certainly the most extensive in the building's history. As a result of this
new restoration, Carnegie Hall once again has the quality of sound Line 5 that it had when it was first
built.
Carnegie Hall owes its existence to Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy owner of a steel company in
the late 1800s. The hall was finished in 1891 and quickly gained a reputation as an excellent performing
arts hall Line 10 where accomplished musicians gained fame. Despite its reputation, however, the
concert hall suffered from several detrimental renovations over the years. During the Great Depression,
when fewer people could afford to attend performances, the directors sold part of the building to
commercial businesses. As a result, a coffee shop was opened Line 15 in one corner of the building, for
which the builders replaced the brick and terra cotta walls with windowpanes. A renovation in 1946
seriously damaged the acoustical quality of the hall when the makers of the film Carnegie Hall cut a
gaping hole in the dome of the ceiling to allow for lights and air vents. The hole was later Line 20
covered with short curtains and a fake ceiling, but the hall never sounded the same afterwards.
 In 1960, the violinist Isaac Stern became involved in restoring the hall after a group of real estate
developers unveiled plans to demolish Line 25 Carnegie Hall and build a high-rise office building on the
site. This threat spurred Stern to rally public support for Carnegie Hall and encourage the City of New
York to buy the property. The movement was successful, and the concert hall is now owned by the city.
In the current restoration, builders tested each new material for it Line 30 sound qualities, and they
replaced the hole in the ceiling with a dome. The builders also restored the outer walls to their original
appearance and closed the coffee shop. Carnegie has never sounded better, and its prospects for the
future have never looked more promising.
Question 45: This passage is mainly about ………………
  A. changes to Carnegie Hall  B. the appearance of Carnegie Hall 
  C. Carnegie Hall's history during the Great Depression 
  D. damage to the ceiling in Carnegie Hall 
Question 46: In line 11, what is the meaning of the word "detrimental"?
  A. dangerous B. significant  C. extreme  D. harmful 
Question 47: What major change happened to the hall in 1946?
  A. The acoustic dome was damaged. 
  B. Space in the building was sold to commercial businesses. 
  C. The walls were damaged in an earthquake.  D. The stage was renovated. 
Question 48: Who was Andrew Carnegie?
  A. a violinist B. an architect 
  C. a steel mill owner  D. mayor of New York City 
Question 49: Which of the following words could best replace the word "gaping" in line 18?
  A. small B. round  C. vital  D. wide 
Question 50: What was Isaac Stern's relationship to Carnegie Hall?
  A. He made the movie "Carnegie Hall" in 1946. 
  B. He performed on opening night in 1891. 
  C. He tried to save the hall, beginning in 1960. 
  D. He opened a coffee shop in Carnegie Hall during the Depression. 
Question 51: What was probably the most important aspect of the recent renovation?
  A. restoring the outer wall B. expanding the lobby 
  C. restoring the plaster trim D. repairing the ceiling 
Question 52: Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "unveiled" in line 24?
  A. announced B. restricted  C. overshadowed  D. located 
Question 53: How does the author seem to feel about the future of Carnegie Hall?
  A. ambiguous B. guarded  C. optimistic   D. negative 
Question 54: Which of the following would most likely be the topic of the next paragraph?
  A. a scientific explanation of acoustics and the nature of sound 
  B. a description of people's reactions to the newly renovated hall 
  C. a discussion of the coffee shop that once was located in the building 
  D. further discussion about the activities of Isaac Stern in 1960
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 question s from 55 to 64.
About 200 million years ago, as the Triassic Period came to a close, many species of animals
disappeared from the face of the Earth. Scientists previously believed that the series of extinctions
happened over a period of 15 to 20 million years. Recent discoveries in Nova Scotia Line 5 suggest,
however, that the extinctions may have happened over a much shorter period of time, perhaps less than
850,000 years.
Evidence for a rapid extinction of species at the end of the Triassic Period is found in the McCoy
Brook Formation along the Bay of Fundy Line 10 in Nova Scotia. Fossils found in this formation
indicate a rapid disappearance of species rather than a slow and gradual change over time. One
explanation for a relatively sudden extinction at the end of the Triassic may be that a large meteorite
struck the earth at the time and is responsible for a 70- kilometer hole nearby. If geologists Line 15 and
other researchers can find evidence, such as shocked quartz in the rock formations, that a meteorite did
strike the earth, it would give more credence to the theory of rapid Triassic extinctions. It is possible,
however, that even if a rapid extinction happened in and around Nova Scotia, it did not necessarily occur
in the rest Line 20 of the world.
Question 55: What is the main topic of this passage?
  A. the disappearance of animal species at the end of the Triassic Period 
  B. evidence of a relatively sudden extinction of species 
  C. the possibility of an extinction happening simultaneously throughout the world 
  D. a meteorite hole in the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia 
Question 56: The author uses the phrase "the face of the Earth" in line 2 in order to ………………
  A. emphasize the disappearance B. focus on one part of the Earth 
  C. focus on one period of time D. point out the reference to land, not water 
Question 57: All of the following were mentioned in the passage EXCEPT ………………
  A. the extinction of late Triassic animals 
  B. the duration of time for the extinction 
  C. a large meteorite hitting the Earth 10 million years ago 
  D. the use of types of rock in scientific research 
Question 58: Where in the passage does the author give evidence for the argument?
  A. Lines 1-4 B. Lines 8-12  C. Lines 12-17  D. Lines 17-20 
Question 59: According to the passage, what would give evidence that a meteorite struck the earth?
  A. a gradual change in species over time B. a change in the quartz 
  C. gold deposits in the veins of rocks 
D. a change in the waters of the Bay of Fundy 
Question 60: Which of the following could best replace the word "struck" as used in line 13?
  A. affected B. discovered  C. devastated  D. hit 
Question 61: Which of the following is most probably the meaning of "shocked quartz" in line 15?
  A. narrow chasms B. tiny lines  C. hardened ores  D. cracked minerals 
Question 62: In line 16, "it" refers to ………………
  A. evidence B. an extinction  C. the Earth  D. a meteorite 
Question 63: Which of the following could best replace the word "credence" in line 17?
  A. demonstration B. elevation  C. suitability  D. credibility 
Question 64: Which of the following best describes the author's tone?
A. aggressive  B. explanatory  C. apologetic  D. cynical 
WRITING
Part I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the sentence
printed before it.
Question 65: Just after solving one problem, I was faced with another.
 Scarcely had I solved one problem when I was faced wit another
Question 66: Without his help, we would all have been in worse trouble.
 Had it not been for his help, we would all have been in worse trouble
Question 67: No students in my class can speak English as fluently as she does.
 She speaks English the most fluently of all students in my class
Question 68: My father started to read that book two weeks ago. He’s still reading it.
 My father has been reading that book for 2 weeks
Question 69: “I don’t want to be criticized by non-professionals”, said the film star.
 The film star objected to being criticized by non-professional
Part II. In about 140 words, write a paragraph about a leisure activity that you like to do after
school.
 Among numerous popular leisure activities, I am completely absorbed in doing sports because of
three reasons below. First of all, playing sports helps to keep our shape, so you can have a well-trained
body that makes you feel more self-confident with an impressive appearance. Secondly, it is believed
that taking part in a lot of sports can improve the quality of your life. Indeed, not only does practising
sports help to avoid a number of health problems such as heart attack or high blood pressure but it also
reduce our stress. This explains why people regard it as an ideal means of relaxation at the end of the
hard-working day. Thirdly, this activity is known as a way to develop various social skills. When you
join a game or practise with your teammates, you will learn how to interact with other people as well as
promote your teamwork spirit and game strategies. In conclusion, I really have a great interest in playing
sports and I strongly believe that it is a cure for both our physical and mental problems.