Reading Comprehension Passages

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‫‪Skills‬‬

‫قاموس مبسط ألهم مفردات الرتاجم والقطع للمرحلة الثانوية‬

‫‪Mr. Ahmad Zont‬‬


Secondary stage

1 A list of essential verbs, nouns and adjectives

1 adapt ‫يتكيف‬
2 analyze ‫يحلل‬
3 collaborate ‫يتعاون‬
4 demonstrate ‫يظهر‬
5 evaluate ‫يقيم‬
6 facilitate ‫يسهل‬
7 generate ‫يولد‬
8 implement ‫ينفذ‬
9 justify ‫يبرر‬
10 negotiate ‫يتفاوض‬
11 observe ‫يراقب‬
12 persuade ‫يقنع‬
13 revise ‫يعدل‬
14 synthesize ‫يجمع‬
15 translate ‫يترجم‬
16 utilize ‫يستخدم‬
17 verify ‫يتحقق‬
18 weigh ‫يزن‬
19 write ‫يكتب‬
20 accomplish ‫ينجز‬
21 assist ‫يساعد‬
22 broadcast ‫يبث‬

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23 calculate ‫يحسب‬
24 construct ‫يبني‬
No. Verb Arabic meaning
1 establish ‫ينشئ‬
2 govern ‫يحكم‬
3 illustrate ‫يوضح‬
4 interpret ‫يفسر‬
5 launch ‫يطلق‬
6 maintain ‫يحافظ‬
7 navigate ‫يتصفح‬
8 oppress ‫يظلم‬
9 perceive ‫يدرك‬
10 question ‫يستجوب‬
11 reconcile ‫يصالح‬
12 speculate ‫يتكهن‬
13 transform ‫يحول‬
14 volunteer ‫يتطوع‬
15 withdraw ‫ينسحب‬
Nouns Arabic Translation
17 achievement ‫إنجاز‬
18 behaviour ‫سلوك‬
19 concept ‫مفهوم‬
20 diversity ‫تنوع‬
21 effort ‫جهد‬
22 factor ‫عامل‬

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Secondary stage

23 generation ‫جيل‬
24 hypothesis ‫فرضية‬
25 individual ‫فرد‬
1 judgment ‫حكم‬
2 knowledge ‫معرفة‬
3 literature ‫أدب‬
4 method ‫طريقة‬
5 phenomenon ‫ظاهرة‬
6 quality ‫جودة‬
7 research ‫بحث‬
8 strategy ‫استراتيجية‬
9 technique ‫تقنية‬
10 variable ‫متغير‬
11 wisdom ‫حكمة‬
12 application ‫تطبيق‬
13 boundary ‫حدود‬
14 circumstance ‫ظرف‬
15 distinction ‫تمييز‬
16 element ‫عنصر‬
17 formation ‫تشكيلة‬
18 guideline ‫مبدأ‬
19 impact ‫تأثير‬
20 jurisdiction ‫اختصاص‬
21 limitation ‫قيد‬
22 necessity ‫ضرورة‬

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SKILLS

23 opportunity ‫فرصة‬
24 perception ‫إدراك‬
25 qualification ‫مؤهل‬
26 recommendation ‫توصية‬
27 synthesis ‫توليفة‬
28 treaty ‫معاهدة‬
29 viewpoint ‫وجهة نظر‬
30 yield ‫عائد‬
Adjectives Arabic Translation
1 accurate ‫دقيق‬
2 beneficial ‫مفيد‬
3 comprehensive ‫شامل‬
4 diverse ‫متنوع‬
5 efficient ‫فعال‬
6 flexible ‫مرن‬
7 genuine ‫حقيقي‬
8 innovative ‫مبتكر‬
9 knowledgeable ‫متفصل‬
10 logical ‫منطقي‬
11 meaningful ‫ذات مغزى‬
12 notable ‫ملحوظ‬
13 outstanding ‫متميز‬
14 productive ‫منتج‬
15 reliable ‫موثوق‬
16 substantial ‫ذو قيمة‬

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Secondary stage

17 thorough ‫متأني‬
18 unique ‫فريد‬
19 versatile ‫متعدد االستخدام‬
20 widespread ‫واسع االنتشار‬
21 ambitious ‫طموح‬
22 coherent ‫منسجم‬
23 decisive ‫حاسم‬
24 exemplary ‫نموذجي‬
25 fluent ‫بطالقة‬
26 gracious ‫كريم‬
27 harmonious ‫متناغم‬
28 impeccable ‫ال يشوبه عيب‬
29 judicious ‫حكيم‬
30 keen ‫حماسي‬
31 luminous ‫مشرق‬
32 meticulous ‫متقن‬
33 noble ‫نبيل‬
34 optimal ‫مثلى‬
35 prudent ‫حكيم‬
36 resilient ‫متماسك‬
37 seasoned ‫مخضرم‬
38 tenacious ‫عنيد‬
39 ultimate ‫نهائي‬
40 vigilant ‫يقظ‬

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SKILLS

2 A list of verbs followed by prepositions

Verbs Arabic meaning


accuse of ‫يتهم‬

believe in ‫يعتقد‬

complain about ‫يشتكي‬

depend on ‫يعتمد‬

dream of ‫يحلم بـ‬

hear about ‫يسمع عن‬

insist on ‫يصر‬

succeed in ‫ينجح‬

think about ‫يفكر بـ‬

warn about ‫يحذر من‬

apologize to ‫يعتذر لـ‬

depend upon ‫يعتمد على‬

approve of ‫يوافق على‬

complain to ‫يشتكي إلى‬

discuss with ‫يناقش مع‬

insist upon ‫يصر على‬

dream about ‫يحلم بـ‬

hear from ‫يسمع من‬

pity for ‫يشفق على‬

think of ‫يفكر في‬

apologize for ‫يعتذر عن‬

confide in ‫يثق في‬

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Secondary stage

depend on ‫يعتمد‬

insist on ‫يصر‬

succeed in ‫ينجح‬

warn about ‫يحذر من‬

apologize to ‫يعتذر لـ‬

believe in ‫يؤمن بـ‬

complain about ‫يشتكي‬

discuss with ‫يناقش‬

dream of ‫يحلم بـ‬

hear about ‫يسمع عن‬

pity for ‫يشفق على‬

think of ‫يفكر في‬

Join my group “English language exchange”


by scanning the QR code

8 Skills for secondary stage


SKILLS

3 A list of verbs followed by adjectives

1. committed to ‫ملتزم بـ‬

2. familiar with ‫معتاد على‬

3. absorbed in ‫مغمور في‬

4. satisfied with ‫راض عن‬


ٍ
5. trustworthy in ‫جدير بالثقة في‬

6. responsible for ‫مسؤول عن‬

7. interested in ‫مهتم بـ‬

8. capable of ‫قادر على‬

9. excited about ‫متحمس بشأن‬

10. proud of ‫فخور بـ‬

11. concerned about ‫قلق بشأن‬

12. dependent on ‫معتمد على‬

13. accustomed to ‫عادي مع‬

14. qualified for ‫مؤهل لـ‬

15. prepared for ‫مستعد لـ‬

16. confident in ‫واثق في‬

17. pleased with ‫راض عن‬


ٍ
18. involved in ‫مشترك في‬

19. enthusiastic about ‫متحمس بشأن‬

20. grateful for ‫ممتن لـ‬

21. applicable to ‫قابل للتطبيق على‬

22. careful of ‫حذر من‬

23. tolerant of ‫متسامح مع‬

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Secondary stage

24. cautious about ‫حذر بشأن‬

25. obliged to ‫ملزم بـ‬

26. keen on ‫مهتم بـ‬

27. aware of ‫مدرك لـ‬

28. emphasized on ‫مؤكد على‬

29. interested in ‫مهتم بـ‬

30. experienced in ‫ذو خبرة في‬

31. independent of ‫مستقل عن‬

32. dedicated to ‫مخصص لـ‬

33. focused on ‫راكز على‬

34. attached to ‫معلق بـ‬

35. capable of ‫قادر على‬

36. confident about ‫واثق من‬

37. sympathetic to ‫متعاطف مع‬

38. appreciative of ‫مقدر لـ‬

39. responsible for ‫مسؤول عن‬

40. familiar with ‫معتاد على‬

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4 A list of verbs according to different fields

technonlogy
innovate ‫يبتكر‬

develop ‫يطور‬

implement ‫ينفذ‬

analyze ‫يحلل‬

program ‫يبرمج‬

communicate ‫يتواصل‬

research ‫يبحث‬

design ‫يصمم‬

manufacture ‫يصنع‬

Medicine
diagnose ‫يشخص‬

treat ‫يعالج‬

operate ‫يجري عملية‬

prescribe ‫يصف الدواء‬

recover ‫يتعافى‬

prevent ‫يمنع‬

heal ‫يشفي‬

vaccinate ‫يلقح‬

research ‫يبحث‬

Education
learn ‫يتعلم‬

teach ‫يعلم‬

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Secondary stage

study ‫يدرس‬

improve ‫يحسن‬

develop ‫يطور‬

evaluate ‫يقيم‬

explore ‫يستكشف‬

graduate ‫يتخرج‬

inspire ‫يلهم‬

expand ‫يوسع‬

Industry
produce ‫ينتج‬
manufacture ‫يصنع‬
invest ‫يستثمر‬
operate ‫يعمل‬
distribute ‫يوزع‬
innovate ‫يبتكر‬
supply ‫يزود‬
export ‫يصدر‬
import ‫يستورد‬
improve ‫يحسن‬

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5 A list of verbs with their synonyms and antonyms

verb Arabic Meaning Arabic Meaning Antonym


1 achieve ‫يحقق‬ accomplish fail

2 collaborate ‫يتعاون‬ cooperate conflict

3 communicate ‫يتواصل‬ convey misunderstand

4 influence ‫يؤثر‬ impact observe

5 motivate ‫يحفز‬ inspire discourage

6 negotiate ‫يتفاوض‬ bargain reject

7 adapt ‫يتكيف‬ adjust resist

8 analyze ‫يحلل‬ examine ignore

9 innovate ‫يبتكر‬ create replicate

10 organize ‫ينظم‬ arrange disorganize

11 evaluate ‫يقيم‬ assess overlook

12 resolve ‫يحل‬ solve escalate

13 empower ‫يمنح صالحية‬ enable weaken

14 succeed ‫ينجح‬ accomplish fail

15 enhance ‫يعزز‬ improve diminish

16 inspire ‫يلهم‬ motivate discourage

17 collaborate ‫يتعاون‬ cooperate conflict

18 demonstrate ‫يظهر‬ show hide

19 implement ‫ينفذ‬ execute neglect

20 prioritize ‫يمنح األولوية‬ arrange neglect

21 innovate ‫يبتكر‬ create replicate

22 adapt ‫يتكيف‬ adjust resist

23 support ‫يدعم‬ assist hinder

24 acquire ‫يحصل على‬ obtain lose

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Secondary stage

6 A list of adjectives with their synonyms and antonyms

Adjective Arabic Meaning Synonym Antonym


1 confident ‫واثق‬ assured insecure

2 generous ‫كريم‬ benevolent stingy

3 reliable ‫موثوق به‬ trustworthy unreliable

4 ambitious ‫طموح‬ driven indifferent

5 creative ‫مبدع‬ innovative unimaginative

6 resilient ‫متحمل‬ tough fragile

7 independent ‫مستقل‬ autonomous dependent

8 patient ‫صبور‬ tolerant impatient

9 diligent ‫مجتهد‬ hardworking lazy

10 adaptable ‫قابل للتكيف‬ flexible inflexible

11 creative ‫مبدع‬ innovative unimaginative

12 reliable ‫موثوق به‬ trustworthy unreliable

13 enthusiastic ‫متحمس‬ eager indifferent

14 sociable ‫اجتماعي‬ friendly unsociable

15 patient ‫صبور‬ tolerant impatient

16 confident ‫واثق‬ assured insecure

17 empathetic ‫متعاطف‬ compassionate heartless

18 ambitious ‫طموح‬ driven indifferent

19 diligent ‫مجتهد‬ hardworking lazy

20 analytical ‫تحليلي‬ logical illogical

21 adaptable ‫قابل للتكيف‬ flexible inflexible

22 versatile ‫متعدد المواهب‬ multifaceted limited

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23 resourceful ‫متيقظ‬ inventive helpless

24 optimistic ‫متفائل‬ positive pessimistic

25 independent ‫مستقل‬ autonomous dependent

26 courageous ‫شجاع‬ brave cowardly

27 humble ‫متواضع‬ modest arrogant

28 persuasive ‫مقنع‬ convincing unpersuasive

29 meticulous ‫دقيق‬ thorough careless

30 cautious ‫حذر‬ careful reckless

Mr. Ahmad Zont 15


Secondary stage

Read the following passage then choose the correct answer

Passage 1:
Cooking can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to explore new foods and
flavors. You can try recipes from different cultures around the world. Cooking helps you eat
healthier by using fresh ingredients. It may take practice to become a good cook. Start with
simple recipes and work your way up. Ask family or friends for tips. Watch cooking shows
to learn techniques. With experience, you can gain confidence in the kitchen. Cooking
engages all your senses. The kitchen fills with sweet and savory aromas. You can delight in
creating delicious meals for yourself or others.

1) What are two benefits of cooking mentioned in the passage?


A) Eating healthier and entertaining friends
B) Relaxing and exploring new cultures
C) Saving money and losing weight
D) Learning new skills and eating healthier

2) How can you become a better cook according to the passage?


A) Watch cooking shows on TV B) Take a professional cooking class
C) Start with easy recipes D) Buy expensive cookware

3) Cooking involves using your ........................ .


A) Sense of smell B) Sense of taste
C) Sense of touch D) All of your senses

4) What do you create when you cook for other people?


A) Friendships B) Memories
C) Fun D) Delicious meals

5) Cooking allows you to ........................ .


A) Travel the world B) Explore new cultures
C) Meet new people D) Improve your math skills

6) How can friends and family help you with cooking?


A) Eat your food B) Cook for you
C) Give you tips D) Take cooking classes with you

16 Skills for secondary stage


SKILLS

7) What should you do before making complicated recipes?


A) Get cookware B) Take a class
C) Watch shows D) Master easier recipes

8) Cooking engages all the senses EXCEPT:


A) Hearing B) Sight C) Touch D) Taste

Passage 2:
The ocean covers over 70 percent of the Earth's surface. It is home to millions of
species, from tiny plankton to enormous whales. The ocean provides food, jobs, and
recreation for humans. It helps regulate our climate and weather patterns. Oceans absorb
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But human activities have harmed ocean health.
Pollution runs off the land and into the sea. Oil spills foul the water. Overfishing depletes
species. As a result, many marine ecosystems are now threatened. Protecting the ocean will
require global cooperation. Nations must reduce pollution and agree on fishing limits.
Creating marine sanctuaries can help safeguard ocean life. Consumers can support
sustainable seafood. There are also ways to reduce individual impact. Using fewer plastics
protects ocean animals. Being mindful of chemicals and waste prevents runoff. Caring for
the ocean now allows generations to enjoy it in the future.

9) What percent of the Earth's surface does the ocean cover?


A) Over 50 percent B) Over 60 percent
C) Over 70 percent D) Over 80 percent
10) What are two human activities that have harmed the ocean?
A) Swimming and boating B) Fishing and dumping
C) Overfishing and pollution D) Whaling and sailing

11) According to the passage, the ocean helps ........................ .


A) Create weather patterns B) Absorb oxygen
C) Generate electricity D) Reflect sunlight

12) What does the passage say has happened to many ocean ecosystems?
A) They are thriving B) They are endangered
C) They have disappeared D) They have been studied

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Secondary stage

13) How can consumers help protect the ocean?


A) By using more plastics B) By eating sustainable seafood
C) By reducing land pollution D) By cutting back on meat

14) Which of the following was NOT mentioned as harmful to ocean life?
A) Oil spills B) Chemical runoff
C) Air pollution D) Overfishing

15) The main idea of the passage is that:


A) Humans depend on healthy oceans B) Oceans cover most of the Earth
C) More ocean sanctuaries are needed D) Pollution harms ocean life

16) What allows future generations to enjoy the ocean?


A) Limiting climate change B) Reducing individual impacts
C) Protecting it now D) Knowing more about it

Passage 3:
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the Solar System. Its mass is
two and a half times larger than all the other planets combined. Jupiter is a gas giant with a
dense core. It lacks a defined surface. The planet likely has three layers. The inner layer is a
core made of rock and ice. Then there is a layer of liquid metallic hydrogen. The outer layer
is composed of molecular hydrogen. This creates Jupiter's huge size and low density.
Visible features in Jupiter's atmosphere include clouds and large storms like the Great Red
Spot. Jupiter has at least 79 moons, including Io, Europa, and Ganymede. Ganymede is the
biggest moon in the Solar System. Jupiter does not experience seasons like other planets.
But it does have auroras, commonly called northern and southern lights. Auroras are
formed when charged particles from the Sun interact with the atmosphere near the poles.

17) How does Jupiter's size compare to the other planets?


A) It is larger than all combined B) It is larger than half combined
C) It is smaller than half combined D) It is smaller than all combined

18 Skills for secondary stage


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18) What causes Jupiter's low density?


A) Its liquid center B) Its mass and size
C) Its lack of a surface D) Its molecular composition

19) Which moon of Jupiter is the largest?


A) Io B) Europa
C) Ganymede D) Callisto

20) What interacts with Jupiter's atmosphere to form auroras?


A) Moons B) Sun particles
C) Great Red Spot D) Deep core

21) Jupiter likely has three interior layers that include ........................ .
A) Ice, liquid, gas B) Rock, ice, hydrogen
C) Metal, helium, plasma D) Gas, liquid, rock

22) How does Jupiter differ from other planets regarding seasons?
A) It has longer seasons B) It has more extreme seasons
C) It does not have seasons D) It has reversed seasons

23) Jupiter's atmosphere is composed mainly of ........................ .


A) Nitrogen and oxygen B) Carbon dioxide
C) Sulfuric acid D) Hydrogen

24) What causes Jupiter's storms?


A) Auroras B) Radiation
C) Low gravity D) Atmospheric composition

Passage 4:
The harp is considered one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. It
originated around 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Egyptian harps were bow-shaped and had
fewer than a dozen strings. Medieval European harps were made of wood and had strings
of horsehair or silk. Modern orchestral harps typically have a narrow triangular frame with a
curved neck. There are strings stretched vertically across an open space. Pedals allow the
harpist to change the pitch of the strings. Harp music has a clear bell-like tone. The
instrument can play arpeggios and glissandos rapidly as well as sustained chords. Many
composers have written for the harp, including Handel, Mozart, and Debussy. The

Mr. Ahmad Zont 19


Secondary stage

instrument is used in orchestras and chamber music. Folk music traditions in Africa and
Latin America include harp playing. Some popular musicians also feature the harp. Learning
to play the harp takes time and discipline. Harpists use all their fingers to pluck the strings.
They must coordinate pedaling while playing to achieve different notes. But mastering the
harp allows musicians to produce its unique and enchanting sound.

25) How old is the harp according to the passage?


A) Around 500 years old B) Around 1500 years old
C) Around 3500 years old D) Around 5000 years old

26) What were medieval European harps made of?


A) Silk and metal B) Horsehair and wood
C) Plastic and nylon D) Steel and catgut

27) How are pitches changed on a modern harp?


A) With keyboards B) With pedals
C) With stops D) With levers

28) What musical techniques can harps easily play?


A) Scales and trills B) Arpeggios and glissandos
C) Double-stops and tremolos D) Harmonics and pizzicatos

29) What is unique about the tone of a harp?


A) It is dissonant B) It resonates
C) It is percussive D) It is bell-like

30) Where is harp playing popular outside of orchestras?


A) Jazz bands B) Marching bands
C) Folk music groups D) Rock bands

31) What aspect of playing the harp does the passage mention?
A) Its physical size B) The need for discipline
C) Its low volume D) The cost of the instrument

32) How do harpists play different notes?


A) Stopping the strings B) Shortening the strings
C) Tightening the strings D) Moving the pedals

20 Skills for secondary stage


SKILLS

Passage 5:
Comets are icy objects that release gas and dust as they orbit the Sun. A comet's
core is called its nucleus. It can range from less than one mile to over ten miles wide. The
nucleus contains ice, dust, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and methane. Small chunks of rock
may also be included. Most comets travel in either oval-shaped or elongated elliptical
orbits. When a comet's path brings it close to the Sun, solar radiation heats the nucleus.
Gas and dust begin evaporating from the surface. This forms a cloud called a coma around
the nucleus. It can be thousands or millions of miles wide. Radiation pressure and solar
wind push the coma materials away from the Sun. This creates a comet's distinctive tail.
Tails can be millions of miles long. They always point away from the Sun. Comets can have
ion tails and dust tails at the same time. Ion tails are bluish and curve away from the Sun
due to particles and solar wind. Dust tails are yellowish and curve gently away from the
Sun. Comets burn off material each pass by the Sun. Most comets' lifetimes are under
10,000 years.

33) What is found inside a comet's nucleus?


A) Hydrogen and helium B) Oxygen and carbon
C) Ammonia and methane D) Magnesium and neon

34) How wide can a comet's nucleus be?


A) Under one mile B) 1 to 10 miles
C) 10 to 100 miles D) Over 1000 miles

35) What happens when a comet approaches the Sun?


A) Its tail forms B) Its nucleus explodes
C) It releases gas and dust D) It freezes solid

36) Which gas is NOT mentioned as being in a comet?


A) Hydrogen B) Methane C) Carbon dioxide D) Ammonia

37) What causes a comet's tail to point away from the Sun?
A) Gravity B) Radiation pressure
C) Solar wind D) Magnetic field

38) How are ion tails different from dust tails?


A) Shape B) Color C) Size D) Temperature

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Secondary stage

39) Over what time period do most comets exist?


A) Hundreds of years B) Thousands of years
C) Millions of years D) Billions of years

40) What happens to comets when they pass the Sun?


A) They grow bigger B) They break apart
C) They lose some material D) They pull in asteroids

Passage 6:

The clarinet is a woodwind instrument that uses a single reed to produce sound. It
was invented around 1700 by Johann Christoph Denner of Germany. The clarinet consists of
five parts: the mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, lower joint, and bell. The musician blows air
through the mouthpiece. The air vibrates the reed and creates sound inside the cylindrical
body of the instrument. The clarinet has a remarkably wide range. Skilled players can
produce clear tones from very low to very high pitches. The clarinet originally used natural
horns and wood. But today's clarinets incorporate metal keys and synthetic materials. The
standard clarinet is pitched in the key of B-flat. Other common clarinets are in A or E-flat.
Clarinets come in different sizes too. Basset horns are larger, lower-pitched clarinets in F.
The bass clarinet is twice the size of a soprano B-flat clarinet. Saxophones have a similar
design but a slightly different tone from clarinets. Clarinets are extremely versatile
instruments. They are used in military and marching bands, orchestras, jazz bands, and
chamber ensembles. Prominent clarinet soloists include Benny Goodman, Sabine Meyer,
and Martin Fröst. With practice, the clarinet can produce sounds ranging from harsh and
piercing to velvety and beautiful.

41) Who invented the clarinet?


A) Benny Goodman B) Johann Denner
C) Martin Fröst D) Sabine Meyer

42) Which parts of the clarinet does air pass through?


A) Barrel and bell B) Mouthpiece and reed
C) Upper and lower joint D) Keys and bell

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43) What material were early clarinets made of?


A) Brass B) Plastic and rubber
C) Wood and animal horn D) Silver and steel

44) How does a clarinet differ from a saxophone?


A) Number of keys B) Shape and size C) Pitch D) Tone

45) Which statement about clarinets is true?


A) They can only play low pitches
B) They are usually made of synthetic materials
C) They are not used much in jazz music
D) They have a wide range

46) Which clarinet is smallest?


A) Alto B) Soprano C) Tenor D) Bass

47) What produces the sound inside a clarinet?


A) The bell B) The reed C) The keys D) The air column

48) Which musician is NOT a famous clarinettist?


A) Benny Goodman B) Sabine Meyer C) Yo-Yo Ma D) Martin Fröst

Passage 7:
Botanical gardens play an important role in preserving biodiversity and educating
the public. Most botanical gardens aim to maintain living collections of plants for research,
conservation, and display. They carefully cultivate and document a wide array of plants
from around the world. These collections provide a genetic repository and a resource for
scientific study. Botanical gardens also have enormous horticultural experience. Their
experts research ways to propagate endangered species. And they sustain plants that are
difficult to maintain. Another key function is public education. Gardens provide detailed
labeling and informational tours. Learning about plants at a garden can inspire
conservation efforts. It connects people with the global diversity of the plant kingdom.
University-affiliated botanical gardens often incorporate related coursework. And gardens

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Secondary stage

hold classes on gardening, environmental topics, and cooking. Furthermore, botanical


gardens are tourist destinations that inject revenue into local economies. From elaborate
indoor conservatories to sprawling outdoor trails, the aesthetic designs attract visitors
worldwide. However, resources limit most gardens’ ability to achieve all these goals. So
they collaborate to meet conservation and research objectives. Together, botanical gardens
sustain an astonishing spectrum of Earth’s flora.

49) What role do botanical gardens play according to the passage?


A) Scientific research B) Environmental advocacy
C) Horticultural training D) Public education

50) How do botanical gardens help preserve biodiversity?


A) By protecting natural habitats B) By breeding new hybrid species
C) By maintaining plant collections D) By selling rare specimens

51) What economic contribution do botanical gardens make?


A) Medical discoveries B) Tourism spending
C) Construction jobs D) Food production

52) What challenge do botanical gardens face?


A) Lack of visitors B) Limited resources
C) Damage from weather D) Unqualified staff

53) How does plant labelling in gardens promote conservation?


A) It identifies endangered plants B) It creates jobs for researchers
C) It inspires visitors to help D) It aids garden maintenance

54) Botanical gardens collaborate to help advance ........................ .


A) Horticulture B) Conservation C) Landscaping D) Floral design

55) University-affiliated gardens may incorporate ........................ .


A) Job training B) Elementary education
C) Graduate research D) All of the above

56) What do living plant collections in gardens provide?


A) A genetic repository B) Medical resources
C) Food and medicine D) Agricultural research

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SKILLS

Passage 8:
The harpsichord is the predecessor of the modern piano. It produces sound by
plucking strings instead of striking them with hammers. Harpsichords were invented in
Europe during the late Middle Ages. They became popular domestic instruments in the
Renaissance and Baroque eras. Early harpsichords were wing-shaped and made of wood.
Later models featured a variety of shapes and ornamental flourishes. The mechanism inside
is quite simple. When a key is pressed, a jack rises and plucks the string corresponding to
that pitch. The jacks are topped with quills or leather plectra that pull the strings. After
being plucked, the strings vibrate in the upper case of the harpsichord generating sound.
Multiple strings can be strung together to increase volume. Harpsichords produce a bright,
resonant tone with little dynamic variation. Unlike pianos, the strings of a harpsichord have
no dampers to control loudness or length of tones. Some harpsichords include stops which
add an octave to the range. Harpsichord music highlighted the instrument's ability to play
rapidly and articulately. But with the piano's invention, the harpsichord declined in
popularity and is now mainly a historically informed performance instrument. However, the
unique sound of plucked strings still attracts some composers and performers today.

57) How does a harpsichord produce sound?


A) By electronic synthesis B) By blowing through pipes
C) By bowing strings D) By plucking strings

58) What happened when piano was invented regarding the harpsichord?
A) Nothing, harpsichords stayed popular B) Harpsichords became louder
C) Harpsichords declined in popularity D) Harpsichords began striking strings

59) Which best describes the harpsichord's sound?


A) Dynamic and sustained B) Raspy and buzzing
C) Clear and resonant D) Deep and booming

60) What piece is pressed to make a note sound on a harpsichord?


A) Damper B) Jack C) Key D) Stop

61) How could harpsichord volume be increased?


A) Adding stops B) Adding pedals
C) Adding strings D) Adding pipes

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Secondary stage

62) When was the harpsichord invented?


A) 20th century B) 19th century C) Renaissance era D) Middle Ages

63) What plucks the harpsichord strings?


A) Hammers B) Plectra C) Fingers D) Pens

64) What aspect of the harpsichord does the passage highlight?


A) Ornamental design B) Dynamic expression
C) Rapid articulation D) Sustained tones

Passage 9:
Although printing technology brought books to the masses, early printed books
were still luxuries that only the reasonably well-off could afford to own. They were
expensive to produce, and printing costs were naturally passed on to the buyer. In addition,
the literacy rate was not particularly high in the first few centuries of printing. The average
person didn't know how to read or write. The church focused on teaching priests, monks
and others in religious vocations, rather than the masses. Up through the 18th century,
many books for the general public contained no words at all or just a few. Almanacs, for
example, included calendars and numerical tables and charts. Literacy increased as
governments realized the advantages of having an educated populace. Public education
became mandatory starting in the mid-1800s. With increased overall literacy came a much
wider public demand for printed materials including books, magazines and newspapers.
Improvements in printing technology also lowered production costs. With these changes,
books finally became available and affordable for the general public.

65) How did early printing costs affect book prices?


A) Book prices were low. B) Printing costs were passed to buyers.
C) Book prices were regulated. D) Printers absorbed the costs.

66) In the first few centuries of printing, who was most likely to be literate?
A) The general public B) Religious orders
C) Governments D) Merchants

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SKILLS

67) What did many early books for the public contain?
A) Almanacs with charts B) Biographies of leaders
C) Recipes and remedies D) Grammar and math lessons

68) When did literacy increase significantly in Western society?


A) 1400s-1500s B) 1600s-1700s
C) 1800s-1900s D) 1950s-2000s

69) How did increased literacy change books and printing?


A) Book prices increased B) Variety of printed materials grew
C) Book production decreased D) Publishers avoided new technology

70) What is one reason early printed books were expensive?


A) Low demand B) High production costs
C) No copyright law D) Use of parchment

71) Which contributed to wider book ownership starting in 1800s?


A) Professional book reviewers B) Improved distribution systems
C) Increased literacy rates D) Advent of radio and television

72) Besides books, what reading materials became more available in the 1800s?
A) Newspapers and magazines B) Letters and journals
C) Advertisements and catalogs D) Maps and directories

Passage 10:
The island nation of Japan has a long and rich artistic tradition. Japanese art focused
heavily on nature until outside cultural influences arrived. Chinese scroll painting
techniques reached Japan around the 6th century CE. Buddhism, which originated in India,
became prevalent as well. It brought religious artistic styles and temple architecture. By the
12th century, art schools taught Yamato-e, a classic Japanese style of painting. It involved
ink, mineral pigments, and silk scrolls depicting nature or narrative scenes. Woodblock
printing developed during the Edo period from 1600 to 1868. Ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the
floating world," was a major woodblock genre. Ukiyo-e prints featured entertainment

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Secondary stage

districts, theatre, beautiful women, and landscapes. They were mass-produced and became
highly popular. Japanese pottery also has a long history. Jomon, the earliest form, dates
back over 10,000 years. Intricate porcelain ware flourished starting in the Momoyama
period from 1573 to 1603. Japanese architecture evolved from wooden temples to fortified
castles. Two unique styles emerged: shinden, lavish aristocratic mansions, and sukiya,
tranquil tea houses. Traditional Japanese architecture used natural materials like wood, rice
paper, and bamboo. It was greatly influenced by Chinese and Korean architecture. While
respecting tradition, modern Japan continues to produce innovative new forms of art and
architecture.

73) What subject did early Japanese art focus on?


A) Portraiture B) Religion C) Entertainment D) Nature

74) How did Buddhism affect Japanese art?


A) Use of silk scrolls B) Practice of woodblock printing
C) Depiction of religious figures D) Development of pottery

75) Which Japanese art form became widely available during Edo period?
A) Yamato-e painting B) Ukiyo-e prints
C) Jomon pottery D) Sukiya architecture

76) What materials were used in traditional Japanese architecture?


A) Brick, iron, glass B) Stone, marble, gold leaf
C) Concrete, steel, plastic D) Wood, rice paper, bamboo

77) How did Chinese art influence Japanese painting?


A) Use of perspective B) Scenic landscapes
C) Bold colors D) Scroll techniques

78) Which Japanese art style focused on entertainment and theatre?


A) Yamato-e B) Ukiyo-e C) Sukiya D) Jomon

79) Japanese pottery originated in which period?


A) Heian period B) Kamakura period
C) Jomon period D) Edo period

80) The passage implies that modern Japanese art is ........................ .


A) Restricted by tradition B) Little-known outside Japan
C) Highly valued by museums D) Open to new styles

28 Skills for secondary stage

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