Mark is having a conversation with his mother.
Mark: "_____"
Mother: "Never mind, better luck next time."
The teacher is talking to Laura about her presentation in class today.
Teacher: "Your speech this morning was beyond my expectations"
Laura: "_____"
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Throughout the nineteenth century and into the twentieth, citizens of the United States maintained a bias against big cities. Most lived on farms and in small towns and believed cities to be centers of corruption, crime, poverty, and moral degradation. Their distrust was caused, in part, by a national ideology that proclaimed farming the greatest occupation and rural living superior to urban living. This attitude prevailed even as the number of urban dwellers increased and cities became an essential feature of the national landscape. Gradually, economic reality overcame ideology. Thousands abandoned the precarious life on the farm for more secure and better paying jobs in the city. But when these people migrated from the countryside, they carried their fears and suspicion with them. These new urbanities, already convinced that cities were overwhelmed with great problems, eagerly embraced the progressive reforms that promised to bring order out of the chaos of the city.
One of many reforms came in the area of public utilities. Water and sewerage were usually operated by municipal governments, but the gas and electric networks were privately owned. Reformers feared that the privately owned utility companies would charge exorbitant rates for these essential services and deliver them only to people who could afford them. Some city and state governments responded by regulating the utility companies, but a number of cities began to supply these services themselves. Proponents of these reforms argued that public ownership and regulation would insure widespread access to these utilities and guarantee a fair price.
While some reforms focused on government and public behavior, others looked at the cities as a whole Civic leaders, convinced that physical environment influenced human behavior, argued that cities should develop master plans to guide their future growth and development. City planning was nothing new, but the rapid industrialization and urban growth of the late nineteenth century took place without any consideration for order. Urban renewal in the twentieth century followed several courses. Some cities introduced plans to completely rebuild the city core. Most other cities contented themselves with zoning plans for regulating future growth. Certain parts of town were restricted to residential use, while others were set aside for industrial or commercial development.
(Source: TOEFL Reading)
Why does the author mention "industrialization" in the last paragraph?
In the early twentieth century, many rural dwellers migrated to the city in order to _____.
What concern did reformers have about privately owned utility companies?
The word "others" in the last paragraph refers to _____.
The word "precarious" in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to _____.
All of the following were the direct results of public utility reforms EXCEPT _____.
The first paragraph suggests that most people who lived in rural areas _____.
What does the passage mainly discuss?
Choose the sentence that is CLOSEST meaning to the sentence given.
A child is influenced as much by his schooling as by his parents.
Choose the sentence that is closest in meaning to the following question.
It's possible that Joanna didn't receive my message.
Choose the sentence that is closest in meaning to the following question.
"You had better see a doctor if the sore throat does not clear up," she said to me.
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Bitcoins are a form of virtual currency. In other words, they are a type of money that does not exist in the actual world. However, they can be used to purchase actual products and services from real companies.
The bitcoin system was created in 2009 by an enigmatic person named Satoshi Nakamoto. In fact, no one is sure if Satoshi Nakamoto is an actual person or a group of people. Bitcoins are designed to serve as an alternative to national currencies. such as dollars and euros. They can be used to pay for things online instead of cash or credit cards. When bitcoins are transferred from a buyer to a seller, the transaction is recorded in a public database.
Governments are concerned that bitcoins can easily be stolen by hackers. It has dawned on them that they might be used for illegal purposes. For example, stolen goods could be purchased without the government's knowledge. Although more and more companies are beginning to accept bitcoins, the percentage of purchases made using bitcoins is minuscule compared to other online payment methods, such as credit cards. Instead, many bitcoin owners simply keep them as an investment since they believe their bitcoins will be more valuable in the future.
This may or may not be a wise approach. Currently, the value of bitcoins is fluctuating wildly, especially when compared to highly stable national currencies. Bitcoin investors are gambling on the hope that as this high-tech money becomes more widely accepted, its value will soar.
Why are bitcoins of great concern to governments?
What is the passage mainly about?
The word "they" in paragraph 2 refers to _____.
Which of the following is defined in the passage?
The word "minuscule" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to _____.
Choose the word that differs from the rest in the position of the main stress.
Read the passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
Gap year is the term used to describe the year that some students take off before going to university. Gap years are quite popular in many countries, the UK, Australia and Germany. There are a variety of options available for people who are thinking of taking a gap year. One is to spend the year travelling around the world. Another is to spend the year at home getting work experience. A third option is to do volunteer work, either at home or abroad. Some years ago. Sam Cooke chose this option and travelled to Ecuador to tuition in basic literacy for underprivileged children."It was a wonderful experience and it really helped me become mature." However, Sam warns that it's not for everyone. "Voluntary work is certainly not an easy option and before you go you should make sure you are informed about the living conditions you will find there. Young people need to ask themselves they'll be able to put up with these conditions for a whole year."
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word in the following question.
She wasn't close to her mum. She was thought to confide all her secrets to her best friend only.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Though I persuaded my boss to solve a very serious problem in the new management system, he just made light of it.
Choose the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences in the following question.
Julian dropped out of college after his first year. Now he regrets it.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
Seth informed us of his retirement from the company. He did it when arriving at the meeting.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word in the following question.
Professor Berg was very interested in the diversity of cultures all over the world.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word in the following question.
He kept on butting in with silly comments, which made his teacher angry.
When Dad entered the room, the kids _____ for their test the following week.
I suppose no one survived the accident, _____?
Many old people don't like to change. They are very set in their _____.
Changing the rules may do more harm than good, so you'd better take it _____.
The use of computers aids in teaching, _____ the role of teachers is still very important.
They advised me _____ visiting the troubled south of the country.
_____ to Jim myself, I can't really tell you why he would say such terrible things.
_____ non-verbal language is an important aspect of interpersonal communication.
Littering doesn't only make a place look ugly, but it also puts public health at risk and can _____ wildlife.
We always unite and work together whenever serious problems _____.
He expected _____ Oscar, but he wasn't.
The building which belongs to the army is now used as a school but it was not built for that ____.
I can't walk in these high-heeled boots. I keep _____.
Unless Peter _____ more time training, he won't stand any chance of winning the race.
Choose the underlined part that needs correction in the following question.
Walking reduces depression and anxiety, lessens stress, self-esteem is raised, and increases energy.
Choose the underlined part that needs correction.
President Andrew Jackson had an official cabinet but him preferred the advice of his informal advisors, the Kitchen Cabinet.
Choose the underlined part that needs correction in the following question.
I find that necessary to do something about traffic problem in our city.