Mastering Your Reading

Reading : Guruh concert tickets almost sold out *)

2011-10-21T18:40:00.001+07:00

Ahead of his massive concert on Saturday, Beta Cinta Indonesia (I Love Indonesia), Guruh Sukarno Putra said that he had sold 95 percent of the tickets.

Guruh said he had prepared 5,000 tickets priced from Rp 350,000 (US$39.55) to Rp 1 million for three days of shows. "Almost all the tickets have been booked. Tickets for Sunday's performance have been already sold out," he said as quoted by tempointeraktif.com.

Beta Cinta Indonesia will mark the 40th anniversary of Guruh's contribution to the performing arts in Indonesia.

Guruh said that his latest show would also contain satire about President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Comedian Butet Kertaradjasa would play the President, Guruh added.

In response to rampant corrupt in the country, Guruh said he had prepared several special songs.

"I wrote the songs in the 1980s, but I just expected that such practices would increase," he said.

*) The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 10/21/2011 4:57 PM | Entertainment
-------

Please answer the following questions :

1. How many percents of the tickets had been sold?

2. How many tickets had been prepared by Guruh?

3. Please change the last sentence to be indirect speech.

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Reading Text (Gerrard)

2011-10-20T05:37:00.001+07:00

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard had doubts he would return from injury

(BBC, 19 October 11 09:02 GMT)

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted to being concerned whether he would return from injury during the "hardest six months of my career".

Gerrard, 31, scored against Manchester United on Saturday in his first start since groin surgery in March.

Asked if he feared for his career, Gerrard said: "I think it's only natural you have doubts and different things do cross your mind.

"There were times when I was as low as I've ever been as a footballer."

Gerrard said that before the operation he needed injections to get through games.

"Basically, I knew that wasn't right," he added.

"I was missing training sessions and coming in the day before a game trying to get that last session in or having injections to play the next day.

"You can only do that for a certain amount of time before your body gives in - and mine gave in.

"My groin packed in on me and, when it happened, I was down and I was low.

"I knew it was going to be a serious one, something I wasn't used to. I had to try to be positive but I will admit that I was down."

Gerrard had expected to return for the start of the season but caught an infection related to the groin injury in July. He was admitted to hospital for further treatment.

"When it [the injury] happened, it took time before I got back into a positive frame of mind," Gerrard said. "Without doubt the last six months have been the hardest of my career."

*) Please answer the following questions :

1. Who is Gerrard?
2. What happened to him?
3. What did Gerrard say about his last six months?

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Reading Test

2011-02-22T22:22:00.004+07:00

Wacana l

Lake Toba, which is situated in the center of the Bukit Barisan mountain range, is an interesting mountain resort with Samosir island in the center of the lake. It boasts many modern hotels and facilities for water sport such as boating, water-skiing and swimming.

In the West Sumatera, the center of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi, situated in the highlands north of the provincial capital of Padang. West Sumatera is a land of scenic beauty with green lakes and Blue Mountains.

Java has a great number of attractions, including the world-renowned Botanic Gardens in Bogor, the wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south west part of the island. Borobudur, a gigantic Buddhist shrine is situated 42 kilometres northwest of Yogyakarta and the Ijen crater lies in East Java and displays hot springs, waterfalls and free-roaming deer as well as the sulphur crater itself. A three-hour drive from Surabaya, and hen

a pony ride from the village of Ngadisari over the sea of sand, will take you to Mount Bromo, it is an active volcano with sulphur fumes and smoke still emitting

from its depths. The inhabitants of the surrounding

areas believe in the God of Bromo and bring offerings to the deity.

EBTANAS-SMA-91-0

What natural beauty does Sumatera have?

A. Highlands

B. Mountain resorts

C. Farming areas

D. Facilities for water-sports

E. Lakes and mountains

EBTANAS-SMA-91-02

What is usually found in tourism spots? There are a lot of ...

A. Places of interest

B. Wildlife reserve

C. Modern hotels

D. Green lakes

E. Water-sports

EBTANAS-SMA-91-03

We saw some wild animals ... In the wildlife reserve of

Ujung Kulon.

A. Playing

B. Running

C. Roaming

D. Jumping

E. Climbing

EBTANAS-SMA-91-04

The main idea of the second paragraph is …

A. Bukittinggi is the center of culture and tourism

B. Padang is the provincial capital of West Sumatera

C. Bukittinggi is in the highlands, north of Padang

D. West Sumatera is a land of scenic beauty

E. Bukittinggi is situated in the highlands

EBTANAS-SMA-91-05

The word "it" in paragraph 1 refers to ...

A. Resort

B. Lake Toba

C. Bukit Barisan

D. Samosir Island

E. Mountain range

EBTANAS-SMA-91-06

It is an active volcano with sulphur fumes and smoke still emitting from its depth.(par 1). What is the

meaning of "emitting"?

A. Flowing out

B. Surrounding

C. Coming in

D. Driving

E. Taking

Wacana 2

Probably the best known volcano in Indonesia, or in the whole world for that matter, is Mount Krakatau.

It erupted violently in 1883. What caused it to erupt? Or, more generally, what causes volcanoes to erupt? In

order to know the answer, it is necessary for us to

know what a volcano is. In Indonesian we call it "gunung berapi", or "gunung api" for short, the question is, where do the heat and fire come from? According to geologists, deep beneath the ground there are chambers, which contain molten rock. Because of high pressure, the molten rock is forced up the passage that connects the chamber and the opening in the crust of the earth. This molten rock flows out of the opening as lava (magma), and along with it is emitted ashes and gases. A volcano, then, is a mountain with an opening at the top, from which flows lava, hot ashes and gases Eventually the lava cools off and becomes solid rock. Sometimes the solid rock blocks the opening and eruption stop. However, if high pressure builds up in the chamber, the blockage may reopen and the volcano erupts once more.

Very often a volcanic explosion, like the 1883's explosion of Mount Krakatau, causes a great deal of human suffering. That is why people often associate

volcanoes with disasters. That is not wholly correct, of

course, since there are also some good things. Firstly, volcanoes, like mountain in generals, cause clouds the rise and then cool off to form rain. Secondly, the

materials thrown up by volcanoes contain minerals needed by plants, after many years the volcanic materials make the soil fertile.

EBTANAS-SMA-91-07

Where do the heat and the fire come from?

They come from ...

A. The slope of the mountain

B. Deep beneath the ground

C. The top of the mountain

D. The crust of the earth

E. The passage of lava

EBTANAS-SMA-91-08

One of the advantages we get from the volcano eruption is:

A. Causing disasters

B. Forming new islands

C. Causing human suffering

D. Making the land fertile

E. Throwing up useless materials

EBTANAS-SMA-91-09

What make the molten rock rise up and flow out the crater of the volcano?

A. Heat

B. Eruption

C. High pressure

D. Opening on the top

E. Blocked opening

EBTANAS-SMA-91-10

Which statement is correct according to paragraph 1 ?

A. Mount Krakatau is the most famous volcano in

Indonesia

B. The chambers beneath the earth contain crust

C. Mount Krakatau is not known all over the world

D. Heat and fire come from the top of the volcano

E. Geologists is an expert in geometry

EBTANAS-SMA-91-11

And a long with ft is emitted ashes and gases, (paragraph 1).

The word "it" refers to ...

A. Fire

B. Gases

C. Ashes

D. Solid rock

E. Molten rock

EBTANAS-SMA-91-12

People often conclude that volcanoes only cause

disasters.

The underlined word means …

A. Earthquake

B. Misfortune

C. Damage

D. Hazard

E. Danger

Wacana 3

A central bank also provides loans to its customers. But the customers are not individuals as in the case of commercial bank. The customers of central banks are governments, other commercial banks and financial institutions, A country will have one central bank. In England it is the Bank of England. In our country it is the Bank of Indonesia. The central bank often has a duty of formulating and implementing the country's monetary and credit policies, usually in co- operation with the government.

For us individuals, the commercial bank is more important because it directly provides us with services. We can enjoy the services by establishing an account at the bank. There are two kind of account. One is the savings account and the other is the current account. One advantage of having a current account is that we can pay using cheques. This means that we don't have to carry large amounts of money with us, and risk losing it.

Most banks, commercial banks, have two kinds of current accounts. One is the minimum balance account and the other is the special account. The former kind requires the customer to maintain in his account a certain amount as a minimum balance. But the bank will charge the customer a fee for each cheque he or she writes.

EBTANAS-SMA-91-13

What makes a central bank and a commercial bank different?

A. It's services

B. It's interests

C. It's customers

D. It's securities

E. It's accounts

EBTANAS-SMA-91-14

What account do you need if you want to do some

shopping in a Supermarket without carrying a large amount of money?

A. Credit

B. Loans

C. Deposits

D. Current account

E. Saving account

EBTANAS-SMA-91-15

It seems impossible for us, individuals, to borrow money from ...

A. Commercial bank

B. Central bank C. Private bank D. Foreign bank

E. Financial institution

EBTANAS-SMA-91-16

"The Former" in the-last paragraph refers the ...

A. Commercial bank

B. Special account

C. Minimum balance account

D. Saving account of a bank

E. Current account of a bank

EBTANAS-SMA-91-17

The first paragraph tell us about..

A. The difference between a commercial bank and a central bank

B. Where you can pay your telephone and electricity bills

C. The services that a central bank can give

D. You can deposit your money safety at a bank

E. Where customers can buy travel tickets

EBTANAS-SMA-91-18

We can enjoy the services by establishing an account at

the bank. The underlined work means ...

A. Opening

B. Saving

C. Paying

D. Giving

E. Requiring

Wacana 4

Water is an essential component of all living matter. The body itself consists of more than 70% water. Water is necessary for weathering processes that convert rock to soil and for the transport of soil nutrients to plant. In the form of vapour, it provides protection for us against the harmful radiations from outer space and the chilling temperatures at night. Water is so much a part of our daily lives that we take all this for granted, we drink it, wash with it, use it to dispose of our waste products and for countless other domestic purposes.

The widest use of water in some countries is for irrigation. The farmers grow rice extensively to satisfy the need for this staple food. With the programmer's priority being to increase rice production, the heavy use of water for agriculture will continue in the future.

Water is also used to produce electric power. Many hydroelectric power plants provide electricity for cities, towns and villages.

Industry depends on water. The manufacture of

foodstuffs, textiles, man-made dams now attract more and more people for fishing, boating and other recreations.

Water sources can be classified as either surface water or ground water. Surface water originates from two main sources rivers and rainfall, which act as the sources of water in urban areas. Rainwater failing on land areas partly infiltrates the earth's surface and is partly intercepted by plants, while some evaporates. Water collected in lakes, swamps, streams and rivers can be used to provide an urban water supply.

EBTANAS-SMA-91-19

Why is water essential for us? Because …

A. Water protect us from harmful radiations

B. We need water for washing our clothes

C. Water is badly needed in our life

D. We use water for transportation E. Our body consists 70% of water

EBTANAS-SMA-91-20

Where is urban water supply collect from? A. Lake

B. Swamp

C. Stream

D. Spring

E. Rainfall

EBTANAS-SMA-91-21

According to the text, what are the four uses of water in our daily life?

A. Irrigation, agriculture, company, industry

B. Drinking, washing, cleaning, roasting

C. Agriculture, industry, factory, company

D. Boating, fishing, swimming, diving

E. Recreation, irrigation, electricity, industry

EBTANAS-SMA-91-22

Which statement is correct based on the text?

A. The use of water decreases from time to time

B. Sea water is more preferable for recreation

C. Irrigation does not support a good harvest

D. Water is really a basic need to human life

E. All the rain water failing on land will evaporate

EBTANAS-SMA-91-23

"and is partly intercepted by plants, while some

evaporates", (line 22)

'Some' in this sentence means rain water ...

A. Infiltrates the earth's surface

B. Failing on land areas

C. Failing on the rivers

D. Intercepted by plants

E. Collected in lakes

EBTANAS-SMA-91-24

The farmers grow rice extensively to satisfy the need for this staple food. The underlined word means ...

Wacana 5

Indonesia, having the world's fifth largest populations and endowed with extensive and varied natural resources, has the potential to become a great and prosperous power, But for the time being she is facing four main problems; how to cope with her population's growth, how to produce enough food, how to provide people with jobs and how to organize enough exports so that the country can pay her way in the world. Indonesia's most valuable resource is her people. But for Indonesia, as with other developing countries, the possession of this particular kind of resource can prove to be a serve impediment to economic development.

The Government is endeavoring to cope with the population problem in two ways: on the one hand by encouraging people to move, either spontaneously or under the official transmigration programme from densely-populated Java, Madura and Bali to the wider open spaces of the outer islands of Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya, and on other hand by fostering family planning. Transmigration is more than a response to population growth; it also carries profound implications for balanced national development and for national security.

In its response to the population growth however, Indonesia must continue to rely upon family planning

objectives, the establishment of happy and prosperous

small families and the reduction of the population growth to 1% by 1990. The country's family planning can indeed offer valuable lessons for other parts of the world-in terms not only of results achieved but also of the democratic way in which they have been achieved. Indonesia's family planning programme has become one of the most remarkable of all attempts to institute birth control on a mass scale.

EBTANAS-SMA-91-25

There are only ... Countries in the world that have more population than Indonesia.

A. One

B. Two

C. Three

D. Four

E. Five

EBTANAS-SMA-91-29

In its response to the population's growth, however, Indonesia must continue to rely upon family planning

objectives. (Paragraph 3). The word "its" refers to...

A. Indonesia

B. Family planning

C. C National security

D. Population growth

E. National development

EBTANAS-SMA-91-30

The government is endeavoring to cope with the population problem.

The underlined word means ...

A. Endowing

B. Enforcing

C. Endorsing

D. Attaining

E. Attempting

Ribuan Soal English

Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation System DVD Set

reading test

2011-02-21T11:07:00.002+07:00

Many people call platypus duckbill because this animal has a bill like a duck's bill. Platypus is an indigenous of Tasmania and southern and eastern Australia. Although it has lay's egg instead of bearing its you alive, the platypus is a true mammal, not a reptile. It nurses its young with milk as do other mammals.

Platypus has a flat tail and webbed feet. Its body length is 30 into 45 cm and covered with a thick and wooly layer of fur. Its bill is detecting prey and stirring up mud. Platypus' eyes and head are small. It has no ears but has ability to sense sound and light.

The male platypus has a hollow claw, or spur on each hind leg. The spurs are connected with poison glands. The platypus leg scratches and poisons its enemies with the spurs.

Platypus lives in streams, rivers, lakes. Female platypus usually dig burrows in the stream or river banks. The burrows are blocked with soil to protect it from intruders and flooding. On the other hand, male platypus does not need any burrow to stay.

1. UN 2010

The main idea of the third paragraph is ..........

A. the platypus defends it self by using its poison

B each hind leg of the platypus could spray poison

C. the platypus attacks its enemy by using its hollow claws.

D. the platypus' claws are used for scratching its enemies

E. the poisonous glands flow their poison through the hind legs

2. UN 2010

The ............. of the platypus makes it look like a duck.

A. bill

B. spur

C. flat tail

D. thick fur

E. webbed feet

3. UN 2010

What is the purpose of the text above?

A. to tell about the life of platypus

B. to explain about the habitat of platypus

C. to describe about the features of platypus

D. to inform how the platypus detects its prey

E. to distinguish between male and female platypus

4. Platypus habitat is mostly in

A. water

B. dry are

C. swamp area

D. humid area

E. barren area

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Ribuan Soal English

reading test

2011-02-21T10:35:00.003+07:00

In the middle of a bright day, I planned to have lunch in a new restaurant. I drove along the West Road at a reasonable speed.

About fifty meters before the crossroad, a pedestrian who was walking on the pavement suddenly ran across the road in front of my car. I was so surprised that I braked as hard as I could. I was really panic but I had to swerve to avoid the pedestrian. I was crashed into a car who was parked by the side of the road.

Fortunately, the pedestrian wasn't injured, but I had a bad cut on my face because my head hit the wind screen. I had forgotten to put on my seat belt. An ambulance took me to the hospital where I had to have five sticthis and took a rest for some hours.

There was a lot of damage to my car. the wind screen was broken and the bodywork was badly dented. I was interviewed by the police in the hospital.

1. UN 2009

The writer got panic because .............

A. a pedestrian was hit by a car

B. a pedestrian ran into his car.

C. a pedestrian had a bad cut on her head

D. a pedestrian suddenly ran across the road

E. he saw a pedestrian walking to cross the road

2. UN 2009

''I had forgotten to put my seat belt'' (paragraph 3)

They synonym of the word ''put on'' is ...............

A. put out

B. fasten

C. loosen

D. carry over

E. switch off

3. UN 2009

From the text above we can conclude that .............

A. the pedestrian was careless

B. the pedestrai was carefull

C. the driver drove his car fast

D. the driver helped the pedestrian.

E. the witness helped the victims

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Ribuan Soal English

reading test

2011-02-21T10:12:00.002+07:00

Dear Jonathan,

Hello how are you? I receive your letter today. I am very exited to hear that you are coming to stay with me for the holidays. I am sure we will have a lot of fun together.

My parents have agreed to let you stay with me. They offered to pick you up at the airport. All you have to do is to tell us when you are coming.

I will now tell you about some of things you will experience here in Indonesia. You do not have to worry about the local spicy food. We have a lot of fast food restaurants here like the ones you have in England.

You can also shop for the souvenirs to bring home. Sarinah or Blok M square are our famous shopping areas. They have many shops selling all kinds things. I am sure you will love them.

I am also planning to take you to a few tourist spots like miniature of Indonesia, National monuments, or Safari Park. We can also go to Ancol beach where you can swim, play on the beach, and have picnics.

My family and I are looking forward to your coming. I hope to hear from you soon. Goodbye.

With love

Naufal

1. UN 2009

What is the letter about?

A. Planning to stay and do some activities in Indonesia during holiday.

B. Buying in the fast food restaurant and shopping at Sarinah.

C. Going to buy souvenirs and going to tourist spots.

D. Planning to stay in Indonesia for the holiday.

E. Picking up at the airport when he comes.

2. UN 2009

What will Jonathan probably buy for his lunch while he is in Indonesia?

A. Mixes vegetables with peanut chilly sauce.

B. Spicy food with chilly sauce.

C. Soup with hot black pepper.

D. Satay with hot pepper.

E. Non spicy food.

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Ribuan Soal English

reading test sma

2011-02-17T22:07:00.001+07:00

In Montana and Wyoming a cowboy's life is harder in winter than in other seasons. During the spring and fall rounds-ups, a cowboy works long hours. The weather is good, however, and he enjoys being out of doors. The sun shines almost every day, and it rarely rains. During July and August there is little work for a cowboy, and he can spend much of his time at rodeos, his favorite form of recreation. In the winter, as in the spring and fall, cowboy also has a lot to do, but severe weather makes his work very difficult. He often works in extreme cold and wind. Even when the weather is bad, he rides his horse continously, watching over his stock and taking care of the weak animals that cannot stand the wind and cold.

1. With which of the following sentences should the paragraph end?
A. Therefore, cowboys are usually considered very strong.
B. Thus, throughout the year cowboy work hard but they enjoy their social life.
C. To conclude, all cowboys are well trained and good at rodeos.
D. That's why cowboys work very hard only during the spring and fall.
E. As a result of their hard work, cowboys do not socialize well.

2. What is the topic of the paragraph?
A. Rodeos, a cowboy's recreation
B. How to take care of animals in winter.
C. The life of cowboy throughout the year.
D. Spring and fall seasons in Montana
E. Winter, an extreme season in Montana

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reading test

2011-02-17T06:38:00.001+07:00

SPMB 2002
The government published a report yesterday saying that we need to eat more healthy - more fruit and vegetables, less fat and sugar. So, that means fewer burgers, chips and fried food as well as cutting down on sweet things. We went into central London yesterday at lunchtime and asked people what they thought about it. "it's got nothing to do with government what I eat," said Paul Keel, a building co workers, and Dorothi Mattews, a teacher, as they ate beef burgers and chips washed down with strawberry milkshake. Tim Kennor, however welcomes the government's advice. Then, we asked the Simpson's restaurant's manager about it. "I don't think people believe all these reports any more. What they say is good for you in June, they say is bad for you in July. People stopped taking notice. We serve that we've always served. Almost all of it is fattening.

1. The topic of the text is ......
A. people's reaction to suggestion on healthy eating habits
B. eating a healthy lunch in central London.
C. the government's report on people's unhealthy eating habit
D. fattening food served at the Simpson's restaurant
E. the advantages of eating fruit and vegetables

2. What does the restaurant manager think of the report?
A. People don't understand the advice given
B. The government's advice is inconsistent
C. People are more concerned about losing weight
D. Fattening foods are more delicious
E. People will welcome the government advice.

Ribuan Soal English

reading test

2011-02-16T20:58:00.001+07:00

Because today's people are living than ever, more psychologists and social workers have begun to study ways of care-giving to improve care of the elderly. They have found that all caregivers share a common characteris : They believe that they are the best persons for the job, for different reasons. One caregiver said she had always been close to the mother. Another caregiver was the oldest child, and another was the youngest child. Regardless of the reason, the caregivers all felt that they could do the job better than anyone else. Social workers interviewed caregivers to find out why they took on the responsibility of caring for an elderly, dependent relative. They discovered three basic reasons. Many caregivers believed that they had an obligation to help their relatives. Some stated that helping others was felt more useful. Others helped that by helping some one now, they would deserve care when they became old and dependent.

Researchers have found that caring for elderly can be very positive experience. The elderly appreciated the care and attention they received. They were affectionate and cooperative. However, even when care-giving is satisfying, it is hard work. Social workers and experts on aging offer caregivers and potential caregivers help when arranging got the care of an elderly relative. One consideration is to ask parents what they want before they become sick or independent. Perhaps, they prefer going into nursing home, and can select one in advance. On the other hand, they may want to live with their adult children. Caregivers must also learn to arouse confidence in others and ask for help from others. Brothers and sisters are often willing to help but they may not know what to do.
1. The caregivers mentioned in the text are ......
A. psychologists
B. charitable people
C. social workers
D. homes for the elderly
E. members of the family

2. Psychologist are interested in examining care-giving to the elderly because......
A. their families are too busy to care for them
B. people's life-span is longer now
C. their condition is mentioned by social workers
D. they have, in practice, been neglected
E. there are not enough homes for elderly

3. Caregivers are willing to take care of elderly because of the following reasons, except .......
A. they feel to be the best persons to look after them
B. they expect that they won't be neglected
C. they are closest relatives the elderly have
D. they are the only relatives of the dependent elderly
E. they are happy to be able to do something for others

4. "Regardless of the reason" in line 6 means......
A. without any reason
B. of the reason is not known
C. considering the reason
D. whatever the reason is
E. to emphasize the reason

5. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the text?
A. caring for the elderly can be easily accomplished without much energi.
B. Social workers do not interfere with the arrangement of taking care of the elderly
C. Caring for elderly gives mutual satisfaction
D. Social workers decide whether they elderly live with the relatives or in nursing home

Ribuan Soal English

complete the reading

2011-02-16T10:40:00.001+07:00

Almost half of the earth's population live in a tropical forest which covers an estimated 2000 million hectares, mostly in developing world. The management of these forests is a matter of great .....1...... for the countries in which they are .....2..... For not only do they provide timber for lumber and paper, they also show their unique diversity of plant life serving as a renewable source of food, medicines and fuel ....3..... they are wisely harvested. Forest also help to regulate the quality and flow of water, an .....4.... factor in development. They are the home of farmers and hunters, and yield many ....5.... which are used both by the local people and needed by city dwellers.

1. (a) attraction, (b) intention, (c) initiative, (d) importance, (e) reaction

2. (a) situated, (b) removed, (c) initiative, (d) discovered, (e) placed.

3. (a) as, (b) for, (c) if, (d) so, (e) or

4. (a) enormous, (b) efficient, (c) entire, (d) external, (e) essential

5. (a) producers, (b) products, (c) productively, (d) productivity, (e) productive

Ribuan Soal English

reading test

2011-02-16T07:09:00.002+07:00

In recent years, Brazil has greatly increased its Gross National Product (GNP). Several factors have caused this change. First, Brazil has a favorable climate and many other natural resources. Second, it has a large number of works available for employment in industry. Finally, Brazill4an business and economic planners have encourage investment.

1. What is the topic of the paragraph?
A. The factors leading to Brazil's increase in its GDP.
B. Brazil's advantagous physical conditions.
C. The changes in Brazil's GNP.
D. The policy of economic planners in Brazil.
E. The number of workers in Brazil's industry.

2. What is the main idea of the text?
A. Brazil industry has grown rapidly because of the large number of human resources.
B. Brazil's physical characteristic have contributed to the increase in Brazil's GNP.
C. Brazil needs more investment to promote its economic growth.
D. There are three factors that have caused a rapid increase in Brazil's GNP.
E. Brazil's GNP has greatly changed the face of Brazil's economy.

Ribuan Soal English

reading test

2011-02-15T21:58:00.000+07:00

Saudi Arabia is a country rich in oil, but poor in one of a country's most critical natural resources, fresh water. Without it, agriculture becomes extremely difficult and costly. Many areas are removing the salt from the seawater that surrounds the Arabian Peninsula. Other efforts might be the floating of ice cap all the way the North Pole and the digging of wells to reach underground water.

1. What is the topic of the paragraph?
A. Fresh water.
B. How to improve agriculture.
C. Problems faced by Saudi Arabia
D. Reasons of water shortage
E. The shortage of fresh water in Saudi Arabia

2. What the main idea of the text?
A. Fresh water is one of the critical natural resources of a country
B. Several efforts are being made in Saudi Arabia to get fresh water.
C. Water supply in Saudi Arabia is provided by removing the salt from seawater.
D. Many areas in Saudi Arabia are inhabitable due to the lack of fresh water.
E. Agriculture in Saudi Arabia is difficult and costly

reading test

2011-02-15T21:03:00.000+07:00

Human beings, convinced of their superity over animal kingdom, are seldom disturbed about the pain and death they bring to other species. For example, South Americans birds, desired by zoos, pet shops, and private collections, are frequently packed into small boxes and flown to foreign countries. Many of the birds, however, do not survive the trip, but die of suffocation. And birds are not the only victims. Hunters in search of baby orang utans shoot mothers who are hiding in treetops and wait for the babies to fall to the ground. Many of the babies cannot be caught and fall to their death. Seals, prized for their skins, which make lovely winter coats, are brutally slaughtered by hunters who club and skin almost immediately. Sometimes, the seals are skinned alive because a hunter was not skilful with his club.

1. What is the topic of the text?
A. The superiority of human beings.
B. Cruelty to animals.
C. Animals in captivity
D. Animals in zoos
E. Cruel human being

2. What is the main information of the text?
A. Human beings often cause death and a lot of pain to animal.
B. People are superior to animals because they are much stronger.
C. Many animals are sold to zoos and collectors at great profit.
D. Wild animals often die when they are transported abroad.
E. Hunters often kill wild animals to enable them to catch their babies.

Text 15 for questions 53-56

2010-11-27T10:48:00.003+07:00

The average person will say (hat agriculture means farming. He is partly right, for raising crops is a branch of agriculture. So do livestock raising, dairy forming, fruit growing, chicken raising and even fur farming. Agriculture includes the raising of every kind of plants and animals that is useful to man.

With all its many branches, agriculture is the world's most, important industry. It supplies the food we eat and many of the materials from which we make our clothing.

Farms are classified according to the type of farming that is done and kinds of crops and livestock that are raised. They may be classified in several different ways, such as general, specialized, intensive, and extensive farms.

General farming is a farm where a variety of things is raised. On such a farm there may be a herd of dairy cows whose milk the farmer sells. There may also be poultry to pro vide extra income and supply some of the family's needs.

There aft many factors that influence the types of crops and livestock that a farmer raised. The most important one is climate which includes temperature, length of growing season, sunshine, and rainfall, Another is the type of soil. The third is the amount of water available of irrigation. By concentrating on the particular crops or animals that fit best with this situation, the specialized farmer hopes to use his land in the most efficient and profitable way.

When a farmer devotes a great deal of labour to a piece of land, he is practicing intensive agriculture. If
he works in a large area of land with relatively little labour, he is practicing extensive agriculture. Intensive
agriculture usually goes together with small farms. A great deal of careful work is always involved in
intensive agriculture. Often this work must be done by hand. Extensive agriculture is usually practiced on large farms or ranches where most of the work is done by machinery.

UN-SMA-03-53

These words are related to farming, EXCEPT ...

E. livestock
E. extensive farming
E. irrigation
E. stock exchange
E. type of soil
UN-SMA-03-54

The practice of intensive and extensive agriculture is

the main idea of paragraph ...
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6

UN-SMA-03-55

The text tells us about ...
a. intensive agriculture
b. extensive agriculture
c. types of farming
d. the important factors in farming
e. specialized farms

UN-SMA-03-56
"They may be classified in several different ways ."
(Paragraph 3).
The underlined word refers to ...
. crops
. plants
. farms
. cows
. animals

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SKILL 12. Determine Where Specific Information is Found

2010-11-20T07:31:00.001+07:00

SKILL 12. Determine Where Specific Information is Found

Sometimes the final question accompanying a reading passage (or one paragraph of a passage) will ask you to determine where in the passage a piece of information is found. On the test there will be a multiple-choice question that asks where certain information is found. The answer choices will list possible locations for that information.

The following that you should remember when you are trying to determine where in the passage something is found :

1. How to identify the question.

- Where in the passage......?

2. Where to find the answer.

- The answer can be in any of the lines listed in the answers to the question.

3. How to answer the question.

- Choose a key word or idea in the question.

- Skim the appropriate(s) of the passsage looking for the key word or idea.

- Choose the answer that contains the key word or idea.

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SKILL 11. Use Context to Determine Meanings of Simple Words.

2010-11-20T07:29:00.003+07:00

SKILL 11. Use Context to Determine Meanings of Simple Words.

It is possible that you will be asked to determine the meaning of simple word in reading passage, a word that you see often in everyday English. In this type of question, you shouldn't give the normal, everyday meaning of the word; instead, asecondary meaning of the word is being tested, so you must determine the meaning of the word in this situation.

The following you should remember about vocabulary questions containing simple words.

1. How to identify the question.

What is the meaning of ''X'' in line Y?

The word ''X'' in line Y could best replaced by......

2. Where to find the answer.

Information to help you understand secondary meaning of a simple word can often be found in the context surrounding the word.

3. How to answer the question.

- Find the word in the passage.

- Read the sentence that contains the word carefully.

- Look for context clues to help you understand the meaning.

4. Choose the answer that the context indicates.

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SKILL 10. Use Context to Determine Meanings of Difficult Words.

2010-11-20T07:28:00.000+07:00

SKILL 10. Use Context to Determine Meanings of Difficult Words.

On reading test you may be asked to determine the meaning of a difficult word in a reading passage, a word that you are not expected to know. In this case, the passage will probably give you a clear indication of what the word means.

The following are the key information that you should remember about vocabulary question containing difficult words :

1. How to identify the question.

- What is the meaning of ''X'' in line Y?

The word ''X'' is closest in meaning to ........

2. Where to find the answer.

The information to help you understand the meaning of an unknown word can be found in the context surrounding the unknown word.

3. How to answer the question.

- Find the word in the passage.

- Read the sentence that contains the word carefully.

- Look for the context clues to help you understand the meaning.

- Choose the answer that the context indicates.

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Text 14 for questions 48-52

2010-11-12T07:36:00.002+07:00

There are millions of plants and animals living in
the sea. Most of the plants and animals living in the
oceans are extremely small and float near the surface of

the water in their thousands. They are food for huge
numbers of small animals that also live near the
surface. Together, they are all known as plankton.

Many fish feed on this plankton, including one of
the largest, the whale shark. Despite their great size,
certain whales live entirely on plankton.

The blue whale is the largest animal ever to live.
It grows to a length Of over 100 feet. The humpback
whale is a smaller kind and has long flippers. It can
jump right out the water. The Californian grey whale
makes long migrations every year - it spends the
summer feeding in the Artic but swims south to the
warmer waters off the coast of Mexico in the winter.
The females give birth in the shallow, warm water
there.

Many of the fish in the sea may be eaten by other
meat-eaters. Sharks, for example, are some of the
fastest hunters, although not all of them eat other fish.

Deep down in the oceans live many strange fish.
It is so dark down there that many of these fish have
"light" on them, which are used for attracting smaller
fish for the larger ones to eat.

Jellyfish are peculiar-looking creatures ranging in
size from a fraction of an inch to 6 feet across. They
don't really swim but drift in the currents of the open
oceans. Although they contain a powerful sting, they
are often eaten by turtles. Turtles are reptiles that spend
most of their eggs on sandy beaches.

UN-SMA-03-48

... are food for huge numbers of small animals that also

live near the surface.
a. Very small plants and animals
b. Big animals
c. The Ocean mammals
d. The smallest animal
e. Big plants

UN-SMA-03-49

Paragraph three tells us about ...
A the life, of whales
B.the size of whales
C.the movement of whales
D.three kinds of whales
E.the migration of whales

UN-SMA-03-50

The main information of the passage is that ...
a. most plants are food for animals
b. the colour of the largest whale is blue
c. the female whales give birth in the shallow and warm water
d. the great size fish also eat plankton
e. millions of plants and animals live in the sea

UN-SMA-03-51

Which statement is TRUE according to the text?
a.The turtles eat jellyfish.
b.The turtles lay their eggs in the seabed.
c.The sharks possess a powerful sting.
d.The Californian grey whales immigrate to the Artic in winter.
e.The humpback whale is the largest animal in the sea.

UN-SMA-03-52

The word "despite" in paragraph two could be replaced

by ...
a. therefore
b. referring to
c. in spite of
d. except
e. instead of

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Text 13 for questions 46-47

2010-11-12T07:10:00.002+07:00

A planet is a body in space that revolves around a
star. There are nine planets in our solar system, and
these nine planets travel around the sun. The names of
the planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter,
Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.

Planets travel in orbit, around the stars. All of the
planets of the solar system revolve ill elliptical orbits.
In other Words, their orbits are like large, flat circles.
The time that it takes a planet to make one revolution
around the sun is called a year.

The Greeks were the first people to recognize and
give names to some of the planets. The word planet
comes from a Greek word meaning wanderer. If a
person wanders, tills means that he goes from one
place to another and does not have a home. The Greeks
thought that planets "wandered" in the sky. However,
modern scientists can predict the movement of the
planets very accurately.

UN-SMA-03-46

What is the suitable title for this text?

A. The Stars.
B. The Planets.
C. The Orbits.
D. The Wanderers
E. The Greeks.

UN-SMA-03-47

The planets in our solar system travel ...
A. around the stars
B. around the circles
C. in one movement
D. from one position to another
E. in elliptical orbits

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Example No. 12

2010-11-04T06:53:00.001+07:00

Regularly participating in moderately vigorous physical activity can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. And when you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater.

Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.

Guidelines recommend that you get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity most days of the week. However, even shorter amounts of exercise offer heart benefits, so if you can't meet those guidelines, don't give up. You can even break up your workout time into 10-minute sessions and still get the same benefits.

And remember that things like gardening, housekeeping, taking the stairs and walking the dog all count toward your total. You don't have to exercise strenuously to achieve benefits, but you can see bigger benefits by increasing the intensity, duration and frequency of your workouts.

Question :

1. What is the best title for the passage?

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Example No. 11

2010-11-04T06:48:00.001+07:00

As you put on weight in adulthood, your weight gain is mostly fat rather than muscle. This excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease — high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

One way to see if your weight is healthy is to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which considers your height and weight in determining whether you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat.
BMI numbers 25 and higher are associated with higher blood fats, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The BMI is a good but imperfect guide. Muscle weighs more than fat, for instance, and women and men who are very muscular and physically fit can have high BMIs without added health risks. Because of that, waist circumference is also a useful tool to measure how much abdominal fat you have. In general, men are considered overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (101.6 centimeters, or cm). And women, in general, are overweight if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (88.9 cm).

Even small reductions in weight can be beneficial. Reducing your weight by just 10 percent can decrease your blood pressure, lower your blood cholesterol level and reduce your risk of diabetes.

Question :
1. What is the text about?

Example No. 10

2010-11-04T05:31:00.001+07:00

Example no. 9

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing for them, you probably won't know whether you have these conditions. Regular screening can tell you what your
numbers are and whether you need to take action.

Blood pressure. Regular blood pressure screenings start in childhood. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. You may need more frequent checks if your numbers aren't optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
Cholesterol levels. Adults should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years. You may need more frequent testing if your numbers aren't optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease. Some children may need their blood cholesterol tested if they have a strong family history of heart disease.

Text 12 for questions 42-45

2010-11-04T04:36:00.000+07:00

Text 12

Uday and Qusay are killed and the delighted
British and American governments suggest that Iraq
will be a safer place. Yes, the Iraqis may well feel
safer. And - with the dictator's brutal sons out of the
way forever more confident about continuing the
resistance against the American occupiers.

Shortly before their deaths were announced,
Richard Gephardt, Democrat presidential hopeful,
delivered a blistering attack oh Bush's foreign policy
which was driven, he said, by "machismo" and
"arrogant unilateralism". Bush, he continued, had
treated U.S. allies "like so many flies on America's
windshield". He added: "Foreign policy isn't a John
Wayne movie."

The attack on the villa where Saddam's sons were
hiding might be seen as driving home the point;
Instead, the announcement that they had been killed by
the U.S. troops in a shoot-out is welcomed by Tony
Blair as "great news".

UN-SMA-04-42

The text mainly discusses about ...

A. Uday and Qusay who killed U.S. troops
B. Uday and Qusay who are killed by U.S. troops
C. Richard Gephardt who attacked Bush's domestic policy
D. the attack on the villa where Saddam Husein was hiding
E. Tony Blair who is welcomed by Saddam's sons, Uday and Qusay

UN-SMA-04-42

The main idea of paragraph 3 is that ...

A. U.S. troops killed Saddam in the attack on the villa.
B. Uday and Qusay had killed U.S. troops and Tony Blair.
C. Tony Blair attacked the villa where Saddam's sons were hiding.
D. Saddam was killed by Tony Blair and U.S. in Saddam's sons' villa.
E. The announcement of Saddam's son's death is welcomed by Tony Blair.

UN-SMA-04-43

Which statement is correct according to the text?

A. John Wayne movie was presented to Bush arrogantly.
B. Tony Blair received the "great news" of Bush and Gephardt's death.
C. John Wayne was a movie star who attacked the villa of Saddam's sons.
D. Eichard Gephardt attacked Bush's foreign policy after Uday and Qusay's death.
E.The news of Uday and Qusay's death made the British and American government pleased.

UN-SMA-04-44

"The attack on the villa where Saddam's sons were
hiding might be seen as' driving home the point."
(Paragraph 3)
The word attack has similar meaning to ...

A.raid
B.resist
C.shield
D.defend
E.withdraw

UN-SMA-04-45

"...had killed Uday and Qusay."

A.The Iraqis
B.Tony Blair
C.U.S. troops
D.John Wayne
E.Richard Gephardt

Text 11 for questions 38-41

2010-11-04T04:23:00.001+07:00

Text 11

Dear Rossa,

I am a guy, twenty-eight years old. I have a
problem with a girl friend. She is twenty five years old.
We have been dating each other for years, since we

were high school students. Now we have jobs. I feel
very sure that we love each other. Now it is time for me
to get married. Unfortunately, her parents never
approve of our relationship ever since the very first
time. My family, anyhow, does not really mind. At first
I thought my girl friend had the power to defend our
love. But then she surrendered. She loves, me and she
loves her family, too. On the one hand she said, "I'll be
happy if my family is happy." It means she had to get
approval from her parents.

For this^ I was shocked. My heart was broken.
She ended our relationship just at the time when I was
ready to marry her. When I was with her, we were very
happy. We had a lot in common and there were no
conflicts. The truth was, we separated only because of
her parents. They want her to marry her cousin, her
aunt's son (this is one of the traditions in the Karonese).

For the time being I am very upset. When I miss
her I call her. Then we can eat together, talk together
for hours. We act like elating because she loves me,
too. The real problem is, she cannot refuse what her
parents want.

So, should I forget my girl friend, the only one
that I truly love? Or else, should I just wait, and dream
that one day she will be back to me?

Rio N., Padang
Dear Rio,
You call her your girl friend, but she has chosen her
own way. For this reason I’d, say that there is nothing
you can do except forget her and go on with your
normal life. Hopefully you can find another and live
happily forever.

Rossa

UN-SMA-04-38

The main idea of the first paragraph is that

A. the writer wants to get married
B. the writer has been dating for years
C. the writer has a problem with his girl friend
D. the writer feels sure that they love each other
E. the writer's parents disapprove of his relationship .

UN-SMA-04-39

Which of the following sentences is TRUE according
to the text?

A.Rio is not ready to get married.
B.Rio's parents disagree to his marriage.
C.Rio and his girl friend often got conflicts.
D.Rio's girl friend didn't really love Rio.
E.Rio's girl friend couldn't defend her love for Rio.

UN-SMA-04-40

Why do the girl's parents disapprove of their marriage?
Because ...

A.they don't like Rio.
B.the girl is still studying.
C.Rio is from a different ethnic group.
D.they keep the Karonese tradition.
E.the girl has chosen another guy.

UN-SMA-04-41

Rio cannot forget her girl friend because ...

A.she is very pretty
B.she is very faithful
C.she is his true love
D.she is his first love
E. she is his last love

Skill 1 example 9

2010-10-29T09:48:00.001+07:00

Hurricane generally occur in the North Atlantic from May through November, with the peak of the hurricane season in September; only rarely will they occur from December through April in that part of the ocean. The main reason for occurrence of hurricane during this period is that the temperature on the water's surface is at its warmest and the humidity of the air is at its highest.

Of the tropical storms that occur each year in the North Atlantic, only about five, on the average, are powerful enough to be called hurricanes. To be classified as a hurricane, a tropical storm must have winds reaching speeds of at least 117 kilometers per hour, but the winds are often much stronger than that; the winds of intense hurricanes can easily surpass 240 kilometers per hour:

1. The passage mainly discusses
A. how many hurricanes occur each year
B. the strength of hurricanes
C. the weather in North Atlantic
D. hurricane in one part of the world

2. The best title of this passage would be
A. The North Atlantic Ocean
B. Storms of the Northern Atlantic
C. Hurricane: The Damage and Destruction
D. What happens from May through November

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