Soal Discussion Text

The following text is for questions 1 to 4.

The government has decided to submit the draft of the bill against pornography and pornographic acts. The bill
states that anyone engaging in pornography is punishable by law. This includes public acts such as spouses
kissing and people sunbathing in bikini or swimwear. As a consequence, the bill causes controversy.
The government argues that the bill is made to protect women’s right. Women have so far been the
object of exploitation in mass media and this only gives more benefits to the owner of the business.
Woman activists, on the other hand, argue that the bill will limit women’s freedom. They believe the bill
will dictate what women should wear and on how to dress and behave. If they fail following the rule they will
get penalties between Rp50 million and Rp1 billion.
Nevertheless, I do support the bill against pornography and pornographic acts. I believe that the bill can
decrease the rampant pornography shown or written in mass media that gives bad effects on young generations.
1. What is the purpose of the text?
A. To persuade people that the bill against pornography is necessary
B. To describe the bill against pornography and pornographic
C. To present two points on of view about the bill against pornography
D. To explain the process involved in the draft-making of the bill against pornography
E. To inform the reader about the bill against pornography
2. Why did woman activists object to the bill?
A. Because it protects women from exploitation
B. Because the freedom of women will be limited
C. Because women will get more benefits
D. Because women cannot wear sexy clothes
E. Because the bill will give bad effect on young generation
3. What is the first paragraph called?
A. Issue
B. Orientation
C. Argument
D. Preview
E. Conclusion
4. “I believe that the bill can decrease the rampant pornography…”
The synonym of the underlined word is …..
A. Dangerous
B. Irritating
C. Circulating
D. Uncontrolled
E. Few

The following text is for questions 5 to 9

Two students were discussing the school’s new rule that all students must wear a cap and a tie. One of them
showed her annoyance. She said that wearing a cap and a tie was only suitable for a flag rising ceremony. So,
she was against the rule.
Contrary to the girl’s opinion, the other students was glad with it. The boy said that he didn’t mind with
the new rule because wearing a cap and a tie will make the students look great and like real educated persons.
The first student gave the reasons that they would feel uncomfortable and hot. Moreover, the classrooms were
not air conditioned. The second said it wasn’t a big problem. He was sure that the students would wear them
proudly. They would surely be used to it any way.
5. The two students are discussing ……….
A. The facilities in school
B. Their uniform
C. Their family
D. Their homework
E. Their friends
6. The boy said that he agreed with the new rule in his school.
Which statement shows his agreement?
A. He was not annoyed
B. He didn’t like wearing a cap and a tie
C. He would not obey the rule
D. He didn’t mind wearing a cap and a tie
E. He didn’t care about the rule
7. The boy believed that all students would …..
A. Have a high spirit to study
B. Follow the new rule
C. Solve their own problem
D. Feel comfortable
E. Care for their environment
8. One of them showed her annoyance. (Paragraph 1).
The underlined word has the closest meaning to …….
A. Responsibility
B. Agreement
C. Response
D. Displeasure
E. Applause
9. The communicative purposes of the text is …
A. To analyze something worthy in an issue
B. To describe that something should or should not be in the case
C. To persuade the readers by presenting arguments
D. To explain the readers by persuading
E. To present information and opinion about more than one side of an issue

The following text is for questions 10 to 12

Television has certainly changed our lives. Today, most people prefer watching TV to going to the cinema.
Without it, nobody would have paid much attention to national or international – historical, political, sport, etc –
events. Even, television proved that pictures of suffering can move a nation to pity. Besides, many things can be
learnt from TV
Are there any advantages of TV? Many parents admitted that they found difficulties to stop their
children’s bad habit, for example, they spend their leisure time for watching TV more than reading. Children
become very lazy and irresponsible for their tasks. This is of course denied by TV producers or people whose
works is related to TV.
They are very sure that there are a lot of benefits of TV for viewers, especially children or students. On
the other hand, they honestly admit that TV programs can endanger children’s mental. They regret because
parents sometimes don’t have much time to watch TV together with their children. They suggest parents to have
more discussion with their children on any programs they have seen.
10. What kind of the text above?
A. News Item
B. Descriptive
C. Narrative
D. Discussion
E. Report
11. What does paragraph 2 tell us about TV?
A. The benefit of TV for viewers, especially for parents
B. The difficulties of students in stopping their bad habit
C. The disadvantage of TV programs to children and studnets
D. The contrary of producer to people who work for TV
E. The different point of views between many parents and children
12. “On the other hand, they honestly admit that TV programs…” (Paragrap-3)
The word “they” refers to ….
A. TV programs.
B. TV producers
C. Benefits of TV
D. Many parents
E. Children

The following text is for questions 13 to 15

Most people agree that some form of family limitation or spacing is desirable for the good of the family and
society. But individuals and groups– especially religious groups–differ sharply on the methods of birth control
that they consider moral and acceptable.
Couples that practice birth control do so for various reasons. They may want to limit or space their
children or to have no children at all. Young couples often postpone having children so that both partners can
work full-time. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible.
Some women are advised by their doctors to avoid pregnancy for health reasons. In many countries with rapidly
growing populations, the government encourages couples to limit the size of their families.
Even though birth control has gained in acceptance, opposition to the practice is continuous. Some
people fear that birth control encourages sexual relations outside marriage or that government might impose
birth control. Some religious groups oppose birth control on moral grounds.
Some religious groups teach that artificial methods of birth control are immoral because they separate
the two purposes of intercourse in marriage–conjugal love and the procreation of children. Although they
oppose all artificial birth control, they consider natural family planning acceptable.
13. What does the text discuss about?
A. Family planning.
B. The disagreement with birth control
 C. Reason to support family limitation
D. The two different opinion on birth control
E. The religious group which disagrees with birth control
14. Which of the following reason do not support birth control?
A. To limit the family size
B. To space the children birth.
C. To avoid high family budget.
D. To avoid a risk-health pregnancy.
E. To share much attention with the children.
15. Some women should prevent pregnancy because of … reason.
A. Unacceptable
B. Immoral
C. Artificial
D. Limited
E. Health

The following text is for question 16-20

Advertisements
There are many reasons for both sides of the question, "Should we have printed advertisement'?" Many people
have strong views and feel that ads are nothing more than useless junk mail, while other people feel it is
important source information.

There are some reasons why we should have advertisement in newspaper and magazines. One reason is ads give
us information about what is available. Looking at ads we can find out what is on sale and what is new in the
market. This is an easy way of shopping. Another reason is that advertisement promotes business. When shop
owners compete against each other the buyer saves money, more people come to their shops and they sell more
goods.

On the other hand, some people argue that ads should not be put in newspapers and magazines for these various
reasons. Firstly, ads cost the shopkeepers a lot of money to print onto paper. Also some people don't like finding
junk mail in their letter boxes. Ads also influence people to buy items they don't need and can't really afford.
Ads use up a lot of space and a lot of effort has to be made the ads eye-catching.

After looking at both sides of issue, I think we should not have advertisements because they cost a lot of money
and take up a lot of room in the papers. I don't think I find some of them interesting. I mainly disagree because
it's junk mail.
16. Why does the writer present two sides of opinions of advertisements?
A. She/he wants to take side
B. She/he wants to be in the affirmative side
C. She/he uses the opinions to emphasize her own stance
D. She/he wants the readers know the opinion about the issues
E. She/he wants the readers to understand her stance
17. The writer influences the readers by repeatedly saying that ....
A. The ads are only garbage
 B. The ads contain unimportant business information
C. The ads promote unnecessary service products
D. The ads inform us tips of easy shopping
E. The ads become the source of information
18. "Ads use up a lot of space and a lot of effort has to be made the ads eye-catching. The underlined word
is closest in meaning to ....
A. Newsworthy
B. Subtle
C. Plain
D. Impressive
E. Delicate
19. What is the generic structure of the text?
A. Arguments-Recommendation-Thesis
B. Recommendation-Issue-Arguments-Thesis
C. Issue-supporting points-contrasting points-conclusion
D. Thesis-Supporting Points-Contrasting Points-Reiteration
E. Reiteration-Arguments-Thesis
20. "... their shops and they sell more goods." (paragraph 2) The underlined word refers to ....
A. Buyer
B. Shop owners
C. Readers
D. Writer
E. Advertiser

Read the following text to answer questions number 21 to 25.

Muslim’s Headscarf

The right to freedom of religion is enshrined in the UN charter and considered by many to be a basic human
right. Some religions require special diet, others prayer at specific times. Why should a religious mode of dress
receive as much protection as these other aspects of religious freedom?

Many Muslim women view the veil as a means to protect their modesty and privacy. Just as we would not force
any women to be seen in public in her underwear if she did not feel comfortable doing so, why should a woman
be forced to show her hair if she does not want to? Modesty is a personal judgement, some are comfortable in
the smallest bikini while others prefer a lot more clothing. No one but the woman herself should make that
decision.

Muslim women are not the only ones to feel coerced over their mode of dress. Most people are affected by the
societal norms surrounding them. Fashion trends could be seen in exactly the same light as religious traditions.

Banning head coverings is only likely to provoke a more extreme reaction among highly religious communities.
Framing laws to ban only Islamic forms of dress could be considered an attack on one religion. Feeling under
attack could cause the Islamic community to close off into itself. They could set up religious schools where
their children can dress as they want them to and not mix with children from other faiths. These effects could
never be good for the integration of society and would further the influence of extremists. Internationally, the
perceived attack on Islamic values would inflame wider Muslim opinion, feed conspiracy theories and add to
the dangerous feeling that there is a clash of civilizations.

Intolerant schools make up problems as an excuse for not allowing Muslims freedom of religious expression. In
a multicultural society, students should be aware of the different religious practice and cultural traditions of
their classmates, and be taught to understand and respect these.

Based on the above discussion, the government should not banned Muslim’s headscarf as a part of school or
office uniforms.
21. What is the first paragraph called?
A. Issue
B. Orientation
C. Argument
D. Preview
E. Conclusion
22. What is Muslim women’s view on the veil?
A. It is an obstacle of their freedom
B. It is to protect their modesty and privacy
C. It is a fashion trend among them
D. They feel being forced to wear it
E. It is what their parents told them to wear
23. Paragraph 4 tells us that banning on Muslim headscarf could ….
A. Arouse social conflict among social communities
B. Maintain solidarity among social communities
C. Provoke a more extreme reaction among highly religious communities
D. Teach students social awareness
E. Make Muslim women loose their identity
24. What does the writer suggest?
A. Schools should not be tolerant to any freedom of religious expression
B. Students should know various social groups among the society
C. The government should ban Muslims headscarf because it may arouse conflicts
D. Muslim’s headscarf as a part of school or office uniform should not be banned
E. Schools are allowed to ban Muslim headscarf because it may arouse many problems
25. “Intolerant schools make up problems as an excuse for not allowing…..” (paragraph 5) The underlined
word is synonymous with ……
A. Reason
B. Custom
C. Expectation
D. Evidence
E. Requirement
26. “Intolerant schools make up problems as an excuse for not allowing Muslims freedom of religious
expression” (paragraph 5)
The sentence implies…
 A. Muslims freedom of religious expression may cause problems.
B. Many social conflicts arouse because of Muslims freedom of religious expression.
C. Schools should not be tolerant to any freedom of religious expression.
D. Schools are allowed to ban Muslim headscarf because it may cause problems.
E. Schools should not ban muslim freedom of religious expression on any reason.

Read the following text to answer questions number 27-36.

Most people agree that some form of family limitation or spacing is desirable for the good of the family and
society. But individuals and groups– especially religious groups–differ sharply on the methods of birth control
that they consider moral and acceptable.

Couples that practice birth control do so for various reasons. They may want to limit or space their children or
to have no children at all. Young couples often postpone having children so that both partners can work full-
time. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible. Some women
are advised by their doctors to avoid pregnancy for health reasons. In many countries with rapidly growing
populations, the government encourages couples to limit the size of their families.

Even though birth control has gained in acceptance, opposition to the practice is continuous. Some people fear
that birth control encourages sexual relations outside marriage or that government might impose birth control.
Some religious groups oppose birth control on moral grounds.

Some religious groups teach that artificial methods of birth control are immoral because they separate the two
purposes of intercourse in marriage–conjugal love and the procreation of children. Although they oppose all
artificial birth control, they consider natural family planning acceptable.
27. What does the text discuss about?
A. Family planning.
B. The disagreement with birth control
C. Reason to support family limitation
D. The two different opinion on birth control
E. The religious group which disagrees with birth control
28. The issue of the text is ….
A. government’s population program
B. family planning programs
C. family limitation
D. birth control
E. sex control
29. Which of the following reason do not support birth control?
A. To limit the family size
B. To space the children birth.
C. To avoid high family budget.
D. To avoid a risk-health pregnancy.
E. To share much attention with the children.
30. Some women should prevent pregnancy because of … reason.
A. unacceptable
 B. immoral
C. artificial
D. limited
E. health
31. The religious group feels objected to the birth control because of they….
A. think it doesn’t the government programs
B. believe it is an immoral practice
C. believe it is not a natural practice
D. dread to the health problem
E. are very conservatives
32. Other couples space their children so they can give each child as much attention as possible. (par.2) The
bold word refers to ….
A. couples
B. women
C. families
D. people
E. children
33. Young couples often postpone having children ….(par.2) The bold word means ….
A. Suspect
B. suspend
C. respect
D. direct
E. recall
34. According to the religious group ….
A. artificial methods of birth control are acceptable
B. traditional methods of birth control can be accept
C. sex intercourse outside the marriage is permitted
D. intercourse in marriage doesn’t create children
E. conjugal love in the marriage is immoral to practice
35. From the text, we can conclude that ….
A. everyone doesn’t agree with a family limitation
B. the government doesn’t support birth control
C. the religious group agree of using artificial contraception
D. some women must not pregnant because of health reason
E. young couples don’t want to have many children because they are very busy
36. What is the communicative purpose of the text?
A. Report the birth control in Indonesia
B. Persuade the reader to do birth control
C. Present two different views on birth control
D. Present two different views on birth control
E. Amuse the readers with birth control opinions
F. Ensure the birth control runs well in Indonesia

The following text is for questions 37 to 41.

There are a lot of discussions as to whether children should be given homework or not.

Some people claim that children to enough work in school already. They also argue that children have hobbies
that they want to do after school, such as sports or music. A further point they make is that a lot of homework is
pointless and doesn't help the child learn at all.

However, there are also strong arguments against this point of view. Parents and teachers argue that it is
important to find out whether children can work on their own without the support from the teacher. They say
that the evening is a good time for children to sit down and think about what they have learned in school.

Furthermore they claim that the school day is too short to get anything done that needs doing and it makes sense
to send home tasks like independent reading or further writing tasks that don't need teacher's support.

On balance, I think that some homework is a good idea but that it should only given at the weekend when
children have more time.
37. How do we compare the second and the fourth paragraph ....
A. Both paragraphs argue that homework is necessary for students
B. Unlike the fourth paragraph, the second paragraph argues that homework is unnecessary
C. The second paragraph supports that students need homework, but the fourth paragraph does not
D. The second paragraph and the fourth paragraph argue that students do not need homework
E. The second and the fourth paragraphs do not say anything about the benefit of homework
38. How many reasons are presented by those who are against homework ....
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
39. Those who are pro homework think that the students can ..... in the evening.
A. Prepare for the next lesson
B. Review their lessons
C. Enjoy their pastime
D. Do their hobbies
E. Test themselves
40. "A further point they make is that a lot of homework is pointless and doesn't help the child learn at all."
(Paragraph 2).
The underlined word is synonymous with ....
A. Terrible
B. Careless
C. Difficult
D. Unimportant
E. Uninteresting
41. What is the writer's suggestion about homework ....
A. Homework is pointless
B. Homework is badly needed
 C. Homework should be given at weekend
D. Student should not be given any homework
E. Student must frequently have homework

The following text is for questions 42 to 45.

Should performance enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

The issue of using drugs to enhance athlete’s performance is controversial. Those who agree to the use of drugs
in enhancing performance say that most top players in all sports take drugs to train harder and feel no pain
during play. The trainers, sports doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and managers of the big names make
sure banned substances are taken at the safest and most efficient levels. The main effect of banning such
substances has turned performers and their coaches into liars and cheaters.

On the other hand, some still believe that performance enhancing drugs in sport should be banned. Performance
enhancing drugs are not only prohibited because they violate the spirit of sport but because they can damage the
health of athletes.

I think the idea of allowing them in sports could lead to a situation whereby sportsmen and women are used as
human guinea pigs for a constant fl ow of new, unregulated substances.
42. What argument is given by those who disagree with the use of performance enhancing drugs?
A. Athletes health is badly affected
B. Guinea pigs are awfully needed
C. Athletes consume more drugs
D. Athletes obey the rules
E. Athletes perform better
43. According to the proponents of performance enhancing drugs, the effect of banning them is that
performers become ....
A. Losers
B. Winners
C. Cheaters
D. Hooligans
E. Supporter
44. What is the writer’s intention to write the text?
A. To persuade readers to agree with the issue
B. To influence readers to oppose the issue
C. To describe performance enhancing drugs
D. To entertain readers with the issue
E. To expose readers with the issue
45. How does the writer feel about the performance enhancing drugs?
A. Neutral
B. Positive
C. Negative
D. Indefinite
E. Pessimistic
The following text is for questions 46 to 50.
Male chauvinism (men's believe in male superiority) extends even into the area of automobile driving, it seems.
They believe that theyare far better drivers than women. Men consider women drivers incompetent, inattentive
and even dangerous behind the wheel.

However, statistics prove that women are, in fact, safer drivers than men. For example, insurance rates for
women are 20 percent than they are for men. Another proof is that more accidents are caused by male drivers
between the ages of 18 annd 25 than by any other groups. Also the greater percentage of accident involving
death is caused by men. Although women are criticized for being too cautious, they are really just being safe
drivers.

The reason for women driver's safer habits can perhaps be found in the differing attitudes of sexes toward
automobiles as a convenience, like a washing machine.

On the other hand, men regard the automobile as an extension of their egos. Using it as a weapon when they
feel particularly aggressive or using it as a status symbol.

In all, women are safer drivers because of their attitude. Men can learn to become safe drivers if they adopt the
attitude that an automobile is merely a convenience.
46. The text is about ....
A. Road accidents
B. Women attitude towards automobile
C. Male superiority in automobile driving
D. A comparison between men and woman
E. Statistics about the number of road accidents
47. In term of car accidents, the statistic proves that car accidents caused by ....
A. Men are higher than those of women
B. Men are lower than that of women
C. Men are as high as that of women
D. Women are equal to that of men
E. Women are the same as that of men
48. Which of the following you don’t agree with about men drivers?
A. They are safe and careful drivers
B. They cause more accidents than women
C. They consider themselves to be competent drivers
D. They feel that using a car shows status of symbol
E. They regard automobiles as an extension of their egos
49. We can understand from the text that ....
A. Men always criticize women for their bad driving attitude
B. Women show their egos by aggressive driving
C. The statistic shows women drive the car carelessly
D. Young women drivers get many accident
E. Men underestimate women
50. “Men consider women drivers incompetent, inattentive, and even dangerous behind the wheel
(paragraph 1)
The underlined word means ....
A. Intent
B. Furious
C. Watchful
D. Careless
E. Indiscipline