You’ll get a better _______ of exchange at another bank.

I bought ___ new shirt yesterday. It was very nice.

Michael returned to his hometown last summer, _______?

He was amazed ______ the beauty of the sunset.

Learning a new language is _______ than learning a new skill on the computer.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions. 

The phrase “under way” in paragraph 6 mostly means _______.

The word “they” in paragraph 2 refers to _______.

According to the passage, which of the following statements about green buildings is TRUE?

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 7 as a merit of green buildings?

The word “insulation” in paragraph 3 mostly means __________.

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 questions from 44 to 50.

      The green building movement, started in the 1970s as a way to reduce environmental destruction, is changing the way buildings are constructed. In the early years, green builders were a small minority, and their goals of reducing the environmental impact of buildings were considered unrealistic. Now, however, the movement is growing, as builders have been able to take advantage of new technology.

      Green builders try to make use of recycled materials, which means less waste in dumps. Also, they reduce environmental impact by reducing the energy requirements of a building. One way is to provide an alternative, non-polluting source of energy. First, with solar panels, it is possible to produce electricity from the rays of the sun. Once installed, they provide energy at no they cost and with no pollution.

      Another solution is to reduce the amount of energy required in a building. It is possible to cut electricity use noticeably by improving natural lighting and installing low-energy light bulbs. To reduce the amount of fuel needed for heating or cooling, builders also add insulation to the walls so that the building stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

      One example of this advanced design is the Genzyme Center of Cambridge, the most environmentally responsible office building in America. Every aspect of the design and building had to consider two things: the need for a safe and pleasant workplace for employees and the need to lessen the negative environmental impact. 75 percent of the building materials were recycled materials, and the energy use has been reduced by 43 percent and water use by 32 percent, compared with other buildings of the same size.

      In other parts of the world, several large-scale projects have recently been developed according to green building principles. One of these is in Vauban, Germany, in an area that was once the site of army housing. The site has been completely rebuilt with houses requiring 30 percent less energy than conventional ones. These houses, heated by special non-polluting systems, are also equipped with solar panels.

      A larger project is under way in China. The first phase of this project will include houses for 400 families built with solar power, non-polluting bricks, and recycled wall insulation. In a second phase, entire neighborhoods in six cities will be built. If all goes well, the Chinese government plans to copy these ideas in new neighborhoods across China.

      Green building ideas, on a small or large scale, are spreading. Individuals, companies, and governments are beginning to see their benefits. Not only are they environmentally friendly, green buildings improve living and working conditions and also save money in the long run.

(Adapted from “Advanced Reading Power” by Beatrice S. Mikulecky and Linda Jeffries)

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as the purpose of raising ostriches?

The word “them” in paragraph 3 refers to _______.

The word “threatened” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to _______.

“Why didn’t you send me the brochure?” Mr. William asked the agent.

The sun is a powerful energy source, and this energy source can be harnessed by installing solar panels.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word in each of the following questions.

They are always optimistic although they don’t have a penny to their name.

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.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best completes each of the following exchanges.

An important rule in Tim's family is that they have to pay _______ visits to their grandparents in the countryside.

To many children, playing computer games is a form of _______.

The trees _______ more and more in our countryside next year. 

Laura had a blazing _______ with Eddie and stormed out of the house.

Yesterday I _______ in the park when I saw Dick playing football.

It’s a good idea in theory, but it’s going to be hard to put in into ________.

In the sustainable agriculture, farmers try _______ the use of chemicals and fertilizers. 

She had been depressed all day but she started to _______ after she heard that she was promoted.