===TITLE=== UNIT 9: READING COMPREHENSION :: 12 QUESTIONS ===TIMER=== 20 ===PART=== 1. READING :: 12 :: 1 ===SECTION=== Passage 1 English has undeniably established itself as a global language. It serves as a common language for people from different countries who need to communicate effectively in business, science, and education. For many immigrants moving to English-speaking nations permanently, mastering the vocabulary is a challenging but necessary task. A linguist from a well-known university recently introduced a study showing that bilingual individuals often face fewer difficulties in adapting to foreign cultures. In Singapore, for instance, English is an official language alongside others. A Singaporean student might use a variety of languages daily. An exchange student who comes from a non-English speaking country to Singapore often has to study further to pass the strict entrance exams. To improve their skills, these students frequently borrow books from the library and use an online dictionary to look up complicated terms. They take notes in a dedicated notebook to maintain the clarity and quality of their learning. Although translating from their first language to English can be hard initially, many become incredibly fluent over time. The development of language skills not only helps them secure a good position in their future careers but also allows them to actively participate in the local community and even join charity operations. ===MCQ=== 1. What is the main role of English mentioned in the passage? A. It is a secret code for businesses. B. It is exclusively used for charity operations. *C. It acts as a common language for international communication. D. It is a language only used by immigrants. Giải thích: Đoạn 1 nêu: “It serves as a common language for people from different countries who need to communicate effectively…” ===MCQ=== 2. According to the linguist’s study, what is an advantage of being bilingual? A. It causes more obesity problems. *B. It makes adapting to foreign cultures less difficult. C. It makes entrance exams more complicated. D. It forces people to wear a school uniform. Giải thích: Đoạn 1 nêu: “…bilingual individuals often face fewer difficulties in adapting to foreign cultures.” (Đối mặt với ít khó khăn hơn = ít khó khăn hơn). ===MCQ=== 3. In Singapore, what status does English hold? *A. It is an official language. B. It is a banned foreign language. C. It is the only language allowed. D. It is an unofficial dialect. Giải thích: Đoạn 2 nêu: “In Singapore… English is an official language alongside others.” ===MCQ=== 4. What do exchange students often use to find the meaning of difficult words? A. A school uniform and pants. B. A travel agency. C. Concentric circles. *D. An online dictionary. Giải thích: Đoạn 2 nêu: “…use an online dictionary to look up complicated terms.” ===MCQ=== 5. Why do students keep a notebook according to the text? A. To draw pictures of T-shirts. B. To apply for a travel agency. *C. To improve the clarity and quality of their learning. D. To establish a new charity. Giải thích: Đoạn 2 nêu: “They take notes in a dedicated notebook to maintain the clarity and quality of their learning.” ===MCQ=== 6. What is one ultimate benefit of developing fluent language skills? *A. Securing a good career position and engaging in the community. B. Increasing the rate of obesity. C. Inventing a new global language. D. Translating books permanently. Giải thích: Cuối đoạn 2 nêu: “…helps them secure a good position in their future careers but also allows them to actively participate in the local community…” ===SECTION=== Passage 2 The decision to study abroad is an excellent opportunity, but it requires careful preparation. When a student decides to study further in a foreign country, they must first pass a rigorous entrance exam. The standards for these exams are high, requiring an extensive vocabulary and the ability to understand complicated academic texts. Many universities recommend that prospective students establish a solid foundation in the official language of the host country before arriving. Once there, the student, now an immigrant in a way, must face the daily challenge of living in a new environment. For example, understanding the cultural norms, such as when to wear casual clothes like a T-shirt and pants versus formal attire, is crucial. Moreover, building a good relation with the local community helps ease the transition. A professor who teaches international students noted that those who actively participate in community events or charity work tend to improve their language skills much faster. They do not just translate words in their heads; they learn to think in the new language. The development of such fluency is rewarding. It not only enhances the quality of their education but also prepares them for high-level positions in global companies or travel agencies later in life. Ultimately, mastering a foreign language permanently changes a person’s perspective on the world. ===MCQ=== 7. What is required before a student can study further in a foreign university? A. Wearing a specific school uniform. *B. Passing a rigorous entrance exam with high standards. C. Opening a new travel agency. D. Inventing a new vocabulary word. Giải thích: Đoạn 1 nêu: “…they must first pass a rigorous entrance exam. The standards for these exams are high…” ===MCQ=== 8. What do universities recommend prospective students do before arriving? *A. Establish a solid foundation in the host country’s official language. B. Buy a large variety of T-shirts and pants. C. Stop speaking their first language entirely. D. Become a professor permanently. Giải thích: Đoạn 1 nêu: “Many universities recommend that prospective students establish a solid foundation in the official language…” ===MCQ=== 9. What is mentioned as a daily challenge for a student living abroad? A. Dealing with childhood obesity. *B. Understanding cultural norms like appropriate clothing. C. Drawing concentric shapes. D. Performing a medical operation. Giải thích: Đoạn 2 nêu: “…face the daily challenge of living in a new environment. For example, understanding the cultural norms, such as when to wear casual clothes like a T-shirt and pants…” ===MCQ=== 10. According to the professor, what helps international students improve their language skills faster? A. Using a dictionary to translate every single word. B. Complaining about the complicated entrance exam. *C. Engaging actively in community events or charity work. D. Borrowing money from a travel agency. Giải thích: Đoạn 2 nêu: “…those who actively participate in community events or charity work tend to improve their language skills much faster.” ===MCQ=== 11. How does engaging in the community affect the way students process the new language? A. They forget their first language permanently. *B. They learn to think directly in the new language instead of just translating. C. They invent a completely new vocabulary. D. They rely solely on their notebook. Giải thích: Đoạn 2 nêu: “They do not just translate words in their heads; they learn to think in the new language.” ===MCQ=== 12. What is the ultimate reward of mastering a foreign language according to the passage? *A. It permanently changes a person’s perspective on the world. B. It guarantees a position as a linguist. C. It allows one to avoid all challenging situations. D. It cures obesity and improves physical health. Giải thích: Cuối đoạn 2 nêu: “Ultimately, mastering a foreign language permanently changes a person’s perspective on the world.”