Text 1

The impact of globalization visibly and largely affects the politics and the economy of the country
but its effect on the mindset and the culture is noticeable gradually in the way people think and
react. Some of these good and bad points of this worldwide

phenomenon are obvious fromn some points. People favoring globalization state that there is a
worldwide market for the companies and for the customers there is a better access to

products from different countries. Also, politics is merging and decisions that are being taken are
actually beneficial to people all over the world. Cultural intermingling increases and every nation
tries to knorv lnore about the other nations’ cultural preferences. In this process. we are actually
coming across things that lve like and in the course of time adopt it. However, there are also
opponents of globalization. There is immense pressure on the employed people of developed
countries who are always under the threat of their jobs being outsourced. Globalization may lead
to loss of cultural identitv as rvestern ideas are alr.vays imposed upon the eastern thoughts.

1. How can globalization be benef-rcial culturally?

A. Cultural adaption is more open and inevitable.
B. Developed countries realize the importance of education.
C. Political ideas inspire people for a more democratic unity.
D. Exchanges of western and eastern cultures become intensive.
E. People of different cultures are aware of others likes and dislikes.

Text 2
The Graduation Standard
The implementation of the nerv graduation standard for High-School Students has evoked
people to bring different responses. Some people’s ideas are for some others againts the rule.

Some people agree with the rule because it indicates students’ mastery of the whole material or
the competence they have ntanaged to have over the past three years. The result of the final
exam is also significant for students’ future study in the higher level.

In addition, we are far left behind by our neighboring countries that have implemented a higher
graduation gracle standarcl. If the standard is omitted. then student will get left behind even
furlher by those students fiom neighboring cottntries students.

However, some other people believe that imposing a high standard will not be etfective. The
results of the exams have proven to be unreliable. How can you asses the students’ competence
only in a couple of days. A smart student for example, may get a low grade just because he is
sick during the exam. On the other hand, an idle student may achieve the standard due to luck.
There should then be an alternative way to the national exam.

Despite working on different points of view, the government’ this matter in the hope of getting a
better s relating party are intenselY solution upon improving the Hish-School raduates’qualit

2. What is the writer’s position in the controversy of graduation standardizatton?

A. The writer does not take side.
B. The writer follows the government’s policy.
C. The writer is strongly against it.
D. The r,vriter supports it.
E. The writer opposes it.
3. “The implementation of the new graduation standard evoked people to bring different
responses.” (Paragraph 1)
The underlined word is closest in tneaning to .. ..
A. created
B. reminded
C. examined
D. gained
E. got

Text 3
There are a lot of discussions as to whether children should be given homework or not.

Some people claim that children do 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.

4. 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.

5. How many reasons are presented by those who are against homework?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

6. 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
7. “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

8. 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 homework.
E. Student must frequently have homework.

Text 4
Nuclear power is generated by using uranium, which is a metal mined in various parts of the
world. The first large-scale nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria,
England, in 1956.

Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant for engines. Nuclear power
produces around 11% of the world’s energy needed, and produces huge amounts of energy. It
causes no pollution as you’d get when burning fossil fuels.
The advantages of nuclear is as follows:
(1) It costs about the same as coal, so it’s not expensive to make.
(2) It doesn’t produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it doesn’t contribute to the greenhouse effect.
(3) It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount uranium.
(4) It produces small amounts of waste.
(5) It is reliable.

On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It must be sealed up and buried for
many years to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it is reliable, a lot of
money has to be spent on safety because if it does go wrong, a nuclear accident can be a major
disaster.

People are increasingly concerned about this. In the 1990’s nuclear power was the fastest
growing source of power in many parts of the world. In 2005, it was the 2nd slowest-growing.

9. The text discusses …

A. nuclear in general
B. nuclear biggest station
C. the danger of radioactive
D. the disadvantages of nuclear power
E. the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power

10. The opposite of dangerous is … (Paragraph 4)

A. vile
B. dull
C. tiny
D. calm
E. safe

11. Why is nuclear power very dangerous?

Because …
A. its radioactivity lasts long
B. uranium is renewable
C. it is reliable
D. it is cheap
E. it is safe

12. Which statement is TRUE about nuclear?

A. It is reliable.
B. It is costly to make.
C. It causes air pollution.
D. It affects the greenhouse.
E. It produces small amount of energy

Text 5

Two students were discussing the school’s new rule that all the 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 student was glad with it. He 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.

14. The two students are discussing …

A. the facilities in school
B. their homework
C. their uniform
D. their friends
E. their family

15. 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 would not obey the rule.
C. He didn’t care of the rule.
D. He didn’t like wearing a cap and tie.
E. He didn’t mind wearing a cap and tie.

16. The boy believed that all students would …

A. have a high spirit to study
B. solve their own problems
C. care for their environment
D. follow the new rule,
E. feel uncomfortable

17. “One of them showed her annoyance …” (line 3)

The underlined word is close in meaning to …
A. responsibility
B. displeasure
C. agreement
D. applause
E. response

Text 6
Gift card Bring Advantages and Disadvantages
Gift cards become more popular during recent years. For example, in one holiday season, sales
can reach USD19 billion in united Stated and it is seen to grow more in the following season due
to their convenience in the side of consumers and retailers.

In retailer?s side, gift cards bring them some benefits. Selling gift cards is simply selling product.
When the cards are sold, they will get benefit. Gift cards tend to be a matter of image and trend,
which means it is not strictly influenced by the functionality. Since sending gift cards is a trend,
the sales will increase significantly.

However, there are potential disadvantages in the side of consumers. For example, iTune gift
cards apply process in the way of completing the shopping. They need to do one step to another
step in processing the shopping. Likely, most of the steps need time and date of validity or
expiration. When certain step loses that validating date, the gift cards may be in risk. The card
can be rejected to redeem. Again, in retailers side, producing card it self is costly. It means that
there is additional cost which retailers have to pay.

In whatever thing, we need to be wise, if we can use that gift.

18. How do gift cards bring some benefits to retailers?

A. by influencing customers to merchant
B. by adding some costs producing them
C. by completing the shopping process
D. by applying purchasing process
E. by selling the products

19. Paragraph 3 of the text is mainly about ……

A. the trend of gift cards
B. popularity of gift cards
C. benefit obtained by the retailer
D. the convenience of using gift cards
E. disadvantages in side of consumers

20. We know from the text that if the gift cards are rejected, the retailers ……
A. will be wise
B. will get lose
C. will get profit
D. will be in risk
E. will return

Text 7
Study groups are commonly utilized by many student to prepare themselves for class
discussions, examinations, or class presentation. They can also make use of it to review their
weak points and learn new ideas. I myself find that we can learn more effectively in a study
group. However, I can’t deny that study group have also some disadvantages.

On the positive side a study groups gives the students motivation to study and update their
readings because other members likely give them encouragement. It also helps them to learn
new ideas as well as important points they missed on their readings so I could also share
something.

On the other hand, the disadvantage of a study group is the part of compelling the student to
attend it after class or during their free time. Commitment among each member is also an
important aspect in a study group.

Hence, the members of a study group to set aside other activities to study together.To Join a
study group or not is the student’s own choice, because there are other students who learn
better when they do it on their own. If student thinks he/she will be learning effectively in group,
he/she had better go on and enjoy the fun way of learning.

21. Some students are motivated to study in a study group because the other members likely …
A. Give them better ideas.
B. Come up with important ideas.
C. Are clever than them.
D. Solve the problem.
E. encourage them to study.

22. The writer finds it necessary to join a study group because…

A. He knows study groups have also some disadvantages.
B. He should update his readings.
C. He can learn things more effectively.
D. The members in his group are open minded.
E. His friends have more knowledge compared to him.

23. From the text, we know that…

A. A study group has nothing to do with reading ability.
B. The members have to sacrifice their time for their study group.
C. The writer doesn’t think a study group useful for him.
D. An agreement made to study regularly in a study group isn’t necessary.
E. A study group is always useful for every-body.