Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) Reading ComprehensionCritical Thinking Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) Beginners Critical Reading – Paper Paper has many uses. People draw on paper. People paint on paper. People write on paper. People clean with paper. People make boxes out of paper. People blow their noses on paper. Books are made of paper. Magazines are made of paper. Some money is printed on paper. Sandpaper is made of paper. Wallpaper is made of paper. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) Some paper is made from maple trees. Some paper is made from cotton. Most paper is made from trees. new paper is made from old paper. When paper is recycled. 95% of paper is made from trees. Some paper is recycled. Some paper is made from wheat.Some paper is made from plants. Some paper is made from oak trees. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. Some paper is made from pine trees.com/) .novapdf. Some paper is made from bamboo. novapdf. Some people think computers will take away the need for paper. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. People will want to put things in paper boxes. People will want to sand surfaces with sandpaper. So.com/) . But people will always need to blow their noses.Some people say they work in paper-free offices. people will probably need to use paper for many more years. People will want to paint or draw on paper. According to the passage.novapdf. which of the following statements is/are true? I) Ninety-five percent of paper is made from pine trees.com/) . A) I only B) II only C) III only D) I and II only E) II and III only Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. III) There will probably always be uses for paper. II) Computers will take away the need for paper.Questions 1. 2.novapdf. What is the main idea of the second paragraph? A) What is made of paper B) What paper is made of C) What people think of paper D) The many uses of paper E) The future of paper Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) . 3.In line 12, sand most closely means A) grainy mineral B) paint or color C) polish or smooth D) use for storage E) draw Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) Intermediate Critical Reading – Hybrid Vehicles A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle which uses two or more kinds of propulsion. Most hybrid vehicles use a conventional gasoline engine as well as an electric motor to provide power to the vehicle. These are usually called hybrid-electric-vehicles, or HEVs. Hybrids use two types of propulsion in order to use gasoline more efficiently than conventional vehicles do. Most hybrid vehicles use the gasoline engine as a generator which sends power to the electric motor. The electric motor then powers the car. In conventional vehicles, the gasoline engine powers the vehicle directly. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) Since the main purpose of using a hybrid system is to efficiently use resources, most hybrid vehicles also use other efficient systems. Most hybrid vehicles have regenerative braking systems. In conventional vehicles, the gasoline engine powers the brakes, and the energy used in braking is lost. In regenerative braking systems, the energy lost in braking is sent back into the electrical battery for use in powering the vehicle. Some hybrid vehicles use periodic engine shutoff as a gas–saving feature. When the vehicle is in idle, the engine temporarily turns off. When the vehicle is put back in gear, the engine comes back on. Some hybrids use tires made of a stiff material which rolls easily and prevents drag on the vehicle. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) novapdf. Almost all the world’s major automakers are planning and producing safe and comfortable hybrid vehicles to meet the demand for these increasingly popular vehicles. Therefore. over the five years it typically takes for a person to pay for a car. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. hybrid vehicles are gaining in popularity.com/) . Although hybrid vehicles do represent a marked improvement in environmentally conscious engineering. there still remains one significant potential drawback: battery disposal.Hybrid vehicles save up to 30% of the fuel used in conventional vehicles.000 in gasoline costs. the cost of operating them is less than the cost of operating conventional vehicles. According to a recent study. Since hybrid vehicles use less gasoline. a typical hybrid car driver would save over $6. they put fewer emissions into the atmosphere than conventional vehicles do. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. To properly dispose of the battery in a hybrid car requires substantial effort. Since hybrid vehicles use less gasoline than conventional vehicles. If the battery is not disposed of properly. and the level of emissions being put into the air is decreasing. that of a regular gas only car. As hybrids become more popular.novapdf. the environmental impact of a hybrid car can be equal.Batteries are difficult to dispose of in an environmentally safe manner. conventional vehicles are being used less.com/) . Hybrid vehicles are an example of an energy-efficient technology that is good for both consumers and the environment. if not greater than. According to the passage.1. III) Some HEVs have engines which turn off when the vehicle is not moving.com/) . II) Approximately 30% of vehicles on the road are hybrid vehicles. A) I only B) II only C) III only D) I and II only E) II and III only Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. which of the following statements is/are true? I) Two braking systems are used in most hybrid vehicles.novapdf. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf. HEVs use two types of propulsion mainly in order to A) go faster. B) use gasoline efficiently. D) provide a safe driving experience. E) put fewer emissions into the atmosphere.com/) . According to the passage. C) provide a comfortable ride.2. regenerative most closely means A) electric B) gasoline C) powerful D) restorative E) second–generation Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf. In line 9.com/) .3. which of the following best articulates how the author regards the topic? A) Conventional vehicles may be more powerful than hybrid vehicles. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. but hybrid vehicles are the more socially responsible vehicles to operate. In the context of the passage.4.com/) .novapdf. they are better for drivers and for the environment. B) Since hybrid vehicles use less gasoline and put fewer emissions into the atmosphere than conventional vehicles. making it more powerful and faster than a conventional vehicle. so it is more socially responsible to buy a conventional vehicle. E) Two sources of propulsion provide more power to a hybrid vehicle. D) Since hybrid vehicles are much less expensive to purchase and operate than conventional vehicles. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.C) Conventional vehicles are faster than hybrid vehicles.novapdf.com/) . they are a smarter buy than conventional vehicles. but hybrid vehicles are better for the environment than conventional vehicles. novapdf. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. It is an essential nutrient for animals. a princess told the king. In her novel Tongue.’ Believing it to be an insult. ‘I love you as much as I love salt. yet it is toxic to most plants. the king banished his daughter from his kingdom. author Kyung Ran Jo recounts this legend about salt: “A long time ago.Advanced Critical Reading .com/) . But after a long time.Salt Salt is a mineral that consists mostly of sodium chloride (NACl).” Saltiness is one of the basic tastes perceived by the tongue. making it an esteemed and ubiquitous food flavoring. the king realized the value of salt and the depth of his daughter’s love for him. is an ingredient in soap.” according to Jo.It also “retains vegetables’ vivid colors when parboiling. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. freezes ice cream. Darlene McFarlane in her article “15 Household Uses for Table Salt” recommends testing an egg’s freshness by placing it in a cup of salt water. removes stains on clothing. removes astringency from salad greens. An egg that floats is not fresh.com/) . alleviates pain in your neck. however. so she suggests sprinkling it on windowsills and in doorways to repel them from your residence. maintains the freshness of cut flowers. as in its suitability as a preservative. quickly cools boiling water.novapdf. Salt’s historical distinction lies not so much in its taste or any of its aforementioned amazing talents. according to McFarlane. Ants will not venture onto a salt-covered surface. .com/) . who in turn traded Egyptian salt fish with their commercial partners throughout North Africa. Less than half a century later. Egypt instituted exportation of salt fish to the Phoenicians. along with salted birds and salt fish.Salt has been used as a food preservative for centuries. engendering the establishment of wide-ranging trade associations throughout the Mediterranean region. Celtic people exchanged salted meat for wine and other luxury goods from ancient Greece and Rome.C. was unearthed with funereal offerings in ancient Egyptian tombs from the third millennium B. in the first millennium B. Salt was harvested from its surface as early as 6000 B. Salt.C.novapdf. One of the oldest documented salt works is the Xiechi Lake near Yuncheng in Shanxi. Similarly. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. China.C. a hardworking employee might be said to be “worth his salt” or might be commended for “soldiering on.” Many historians agree that the Latin word salarium is related to salt and soldiers.” Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. from salarius which means “pertaining to salt. hal. the word“salary” is derived from the Middle English salaire. which is iterated in the names of saltworks throughout the region: Halle and Schwäbisch Hall in Germany.novapdf.com/) . In fact. and Egyptian root word for salt. Halych in Ukraine. Some surmise that soldiers were remunerated in salt. from the Latin salarium. Greek. but stress that the original association is unclear. which means a payment made in salt (sal) or for salt.The wide expanse of the Celtic salt trade is exemplified by the shared Celtic. Throughout history. and Galicia in Spain. salt has been deemed a precious commodity. Some postulate that the word soldier itself is derived from the word for salt. Even today. The author’s primary purpose is to A) relate the history of salt. D) discuss the areas where salt was traded.com/) . E) explain the etymology of the word “salt. C) enumerate the myriad uses of salt. B) describe the value of salt.” Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.1. 2.novapdf. In line 21. E) stopping. D) restricting. C) requiring. engendering most closely means A) causing. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) . B) encountering. The function of the passage’s final sentence is to A) summarize the main uses of salt discussed in the passage.novapdf. D) illustrate the modern uses of salt.com/) . E) emphasize the value of salt.3. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. B) explain the etymological roots of several city names. C) repeat the fact that Roman soldiers were paid in salt. novapdf.com/) .SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS I Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. Definition SYNONYMS Words that have the same (or nearly the same) meanings Example: large big ANTONYMS Words that have opposite meaning Example: Hot Cold Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) .novapdf. cowardly C. ability D. brave A. task A.SYNONYMS. work C.com/) . powerful B.Beginning Choose the best synonym for the following words 1) skill 2) courageous 3) honour A. wish B. determination B. quick D. dignity Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. courage D.novapdf. respect C. very angry D. very playful B.novapdf. doubtful D. very interested Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. see C. terrible B.Choose the best synonym for the following words 4) required 5) watch 6) Furious A. smell D.com/) . very calm C. necessary A. wicked C. taste B. hear A. com/) . cautious D.novapdf. excellent D. destroy D. incite A. make C. friendly Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. exceptional C. intend B.ANTONYMS. mediocre A.Beginning Choose the best antonym for the following words 1) pathetic 2) create 3) cowardly A. brave B. concerned C. careful B. fitful D. careful B. obscure C.novapdf.com/) . discover A. repeat A.Choose the best antonym for the following words 4) excel 5) reveal 6) cautious A. achieve B. wasteful Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. hinder D. correct D. fail C. invite B. foolhardy C. com/) .novapdf.SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS II Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. trap b. rouge c. control • DUMB a. disapproval b. mute d. doubtful • INDUCE a. complaint d. resolved d. cunning b. stupid • DUBIOUS a. pretending c.com/) .Choose the correct synonym of the following words • COMPLEMENT a. completion • CONCEPT a. resolved d. clear b. idea b.novapdf. praise c. belief c. influence c. deception d. inflict Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. calculate c. weep c. adapt c. completion • RECKON a. praise c. call b.novapdf. exclude Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) . attract b. cry b. blame • SUMMON a. punish d. murmur d. compliant d. exclude • INCULCATE a.Choose the correct synonym of the following words • MUTTER a. cause d. disapproval b. estimate d. weep c. withdraw b. order • COMPLIMENT a. fabricate NOTHING a. peace d. cipher c. complete change b. something b. favourable change d. reluctant d. everything Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. diligence b. bitterness c.Choose the correct synonym of the following words • • • • • SEA-CHANGE a. suffering d. One whose name is not known. well-known c. Deceive b. scold c.novapdf. intelligence CENSOR a. Generous b. partial change c.com/) . ASSIDUITY a. unfavourable change ANONYMOUS a. delete d. insult b. hatred • JEOPARDY a. Carelessness b. demolition • POSTHUMOUS CHILD a. Illegitimate b. physically weak d. upset b. born after the death of the father Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.Brilliant c. hesitation • FLAIR a.Choose the correct synonym of the following words • ANGUISH a.novapdf.self-satisfaction c. danger d. negligence d. suffering d. confusion c. jealousy d.com/) . anger c. anger c. desire • COMPLACENCY a. talent b. indolent b. critic • NOSTALGIC a.novapdf. not effective • ORATOR a. Bachelor b. preserve b. diseased c. acquire c. soothing • PROCURE a. debate d. heart doctor d.Choose the correct synonym of the following words • INEFFABLE a. inadequate c. disbeliever in God c. homesick d. speaker b. recover d. inexpressible d. not erasable b. harm • ATHEIST a. priest Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) . singer c. improve d. broad b. escapable d.com/) . yonder • INEVITABLE a. exemption Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. unavoidable c. near d. absolute • INCREASE a. deceive • NARROW a. elimination c. augment b.novapdf. decrease c.Choose the correct Antonyms of the following words • DISTANT a. certain b. slime d. remote b. thin c. far c. omission b. slender • EXCLUSION a. inclusion d. prejudice d. belief d. prolong • FAITH a. decrease c. develop b. change c. unfairness Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. equity b.com/) . dwindle b. reliance • FLUCTUATE a.Choose the correct Antonyms of the following words • DETERIORATE a. impartiality c. shift d. trust b. settle • BIAS a. vacillate b. diminish • PROGRESS a. increase d. doubt c.novapdf. recede d. advance c. assent d. big c. disapproval c. bony • LAVISH a. large d. heavenly b. little Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. bountiful • GREAT a. liberal d. advance b.Choose the correct Antonyms of the following words • CELESTIAL a. divine c. earthly • PROTEST a. lean b. thin c. miserly c. objection b.novapdf. supernatural d. contradiction • LANKY a. sturdy d. profuse b.com/) . solitude • UNIQUE a. overcome Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. absolute b.Choose the correct Antonyms of the following words • IMPERFECT a. loneliness c. vital d. important b. insignificant c. consummate • SIGNIFICANT a. profound d. complete c. master d. surpass b. unequalled • SURMOUNT a. separation b. intimacy d. fail c. common c. singular d. necessary • ISOLATION a. ordinary b.com/) .novapdf. direct • GORGEOUS a. round about b.com/) . plain d.novapdf. cheapness c. rustic • AMBIGUITY a. aware c. aware c. sumptuous in appearance Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. jubilant d.unsuitability b. tolerance b.fashionable b. rationality d. desperate c. complete d. certainty c. impracticability • CIRCUITIOUS a. clarity b. impropriety d. perversity • FEASIBILITY a.Choose the correct Antonyms of the following words • JEALOUSY a. com/) .Idiomatic Expressions Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf. There are estimated to be at least 25.What are Idioms? An Idiom is an expression or a phrase that has a figurative meaning.000 idiomatic expressions in the English language.novapdf.com/) . Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. Idiom: A Leopard Can't Change His Spots Meaning: You cannot change who you are. Idiom: Excuse my French Meaning: Please forgive me for cussing Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.Some of the examples of idioms are given below: Idiom: A Blessing In Disguise Meaning: Something good that isn't recognized at first.novapdf. Idiom: Crack Someone Up Meaning: To make someone laugh.com/) . Idioms of Time • Twenty-four seven adv.com/) .novapdf. / adj. • At nine o'clock sharp (adv) : precise time The trial is adjourned until Wednesday morning at ten o'clock sharp. seven days a week The self-service station facing the supermarket is available twenty-four seven.(informal) : twenty-four hours a day. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. : for a long time That's wonderful.novapdf.• For ages adv. I hadn't seen her in a month of Sundays. I hadn't seen a solar eclipse for ages! • A month of Sundays: a long period of time ( literally thirty Sundays or thirty weeks) I met Sarah yesterday. Never in a month of Sundays: never Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. As long as a month of Sundays: a very boring (endless) day.com/) . fruit. • Shelf life: it's the length of time a product can be kept before it becomes too old for use. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. Bread.novapdf.• Just around the corner: that will happen very soon Now that your baby's birth is just around the corner. I'll give you some advice on feeding him.com/) . dairy products don't have a long shelf life. My friend John made a killing on the stock market.Idioms of Money • To be broke : to have no money.com/) . I think he is a bit stingy.novapdf. • Make a killing (informal): to make a lot of money in a short time. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. My boyfriend often says he is broke. In that situation you have a hard time making ends meet.• Hand to mouth: a hand-to-mouth existence means that you have just enough money to live.com/) . Make ends meet • Penny-pinching: unwilling to spend money Synonym: mean The government is looking at every possible way to pinch pennies.novapdf. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. insignificant amount of money (= peanuts) The amount of money I could lend him was chicken feed compared to what he needed. John and his wife didn't earn much.• Chicken feed : n. • Keep the wolf from the door: to have enough money to be able to eat and live. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf. but it was enough to keep the wolf from the door.com/) . com/) .novapdf.Idioms using THROW • THROW/cast caution to the wind(s) : to stop being careful and do something that you know has risks • THROW someone in at the deep end = to make someone deal with something difficult without preparing them for it • Have/THROW a fit = to get very angry and shout or become violent Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. a competition. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.• THROW down the gauntlet = to make it clear that you want to argue or fight with someone about something • People who live in glass houses shouldn’t THROW stones = used for saying that people who have faults should not criticize other people for having the same faults • THROW/toss your hat into the ring = to announce officially that you are going to compete in an election.com/) . etc. no possibility • a fighting chance . .a slight chance of success dependent on a struggle Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.Idioms using Chance • the chances are (that)..com/) . • no chance ...novapdf.it is likely that.. to be likely to achieve something Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. possible. to ask whether something is true. • stand a chance . etc.novapdf.a reasonable chance of success • by any chance .com/) .• a sporting chance .used especially in questions. novapdf.Idioms using wait wait your turn = to wait in a patient way for the opportunity to have or do something an accident waiting to happen = a situation that is likely to cause an accident can hardly wait = used to say that you are excited about something that will happen Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) . or had a sudden idea Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) . especially because you arrive late • wait and see = used to tell somebody that they must be patient and wait to find out about something later • wait a minute/moment/second = to wait for a short time OR used when you have just noticed or remembered something.• keep somebody waiting = to make somebody have to wait or be delayed.novapdf. Idioms using wrong Don't get me wrong = used when you want to be sure that someone understands your comments correctly. especially if you are criticizing something Get on the wrong side of someone = to make someone feels anger towards you In the wrong place at the wrong time = used for saying that the reason something bad happened is because the person was unlucky not because of a mistake Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.com/) .novapdf. • Correct me if I'm wrong = used as a polite way of saying that you think what you are going to say is correct • Get off on the wrong foot = when something like a relationship. etc starts badly • Take something the wrong way = to be offended by a remark because you have understood it wrongly Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf.com/) . job. com/) .Exercise on "Expressions and idioms" Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.novapdf. novapdf. but the salary was………………………. I'm going out for a walk. I'm bored with staying in the house. .My grandson Peter got a job for the holidays. 2.1.com/) . Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.It has been raining………………… . com/) .Since Hannah lost her job.novapdf. But at the moment. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.My car is old so I'll have to save up money to buy a new one.3.. . I'm………………… . she has had to live………………………. 4. com/) ..My great-uncle Derek is very rich. spring is just…………………………. but he never gives presents to my children.novapdf. 6. . he is a ………………… Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.5.When the days lengthen and the air warms. novapdf. 8.! Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www.Don't forget. job. the boss will be expecting you at 6 o‘ clock ………………………….7.Having four children at home is a ……………………….com/) . 9. : two actors. 10.Paranormal Activity 1. Print to PDF without this message by purchasing novaPDF (http://www. was made ………………………….Stuart shaves every morning. seven days of shooting. but he has a ……………………… by midday. a supernatural horror film. It earned $ 194 million worldwide and is the most profitable film ever made.com/) . So he has to shave twice a day.novapdf.