Đề thi môn Tiếng Anh 12 - Kỳ thi chọn học sinh giỏi tỉnh Kon Tum năm học 2008-2009

 part below the task.
By adopting a few simple techniques, parents who read to their children can substantially increase their children’s language development. It’s surprising, but true. How parents talk to their children makes a big difference in the children’s language development. If a parent encourages the child to actively respond to what the parent is reading, the child’s language skills increase.
A study was done with two- or three-year-old children and their parents. Half of the thirty children participated in the experimental study; the other half acted as the control group. In the experimental group, the parents were given a two-hour training session in which they were taught to ask open-ended questions rather than yes/no questions. For example, the parent should ask ‘What is the doggie doing?’ rather than ‘Is the doggie running away?’. Experimental parents were also instructed in how to expand on their children’s answers, how to suggest alternative possibilities, and how to praise correct answers.
At the beginning of the study, the children did not differ on measures of language development, but at the end of one month, the children in experimental group tested 5.5 months ahead of the control group on a test of verbal expression and vocabulary. Nine months later, the children in the experimental group still showed an advance of six months over the children in control group.
1. Which of the following can be inferred from this passage?
A. Children who talk a lot are more intelligent.
B. Parents who listen to their children can teach them more.
C. Active children should read more.
D. Verbal ability can easily be increased.
2. ‘It’s’ (line 2) refers to_____________
A. Parents increasing children’s language development.
B. Reading techniques being simple
C. Parents reading to children
D. Children’s language development
3. According to the author, which of the following questions is the best type to ask children about reading?
A. Do you see the elephant?	B. Is the elephant in the cage?
C. What animals do you like?	D. Shall we go to the zoo?
4. What was the difference between the control group and the experimental group?
A. The training parents received.	B. The age of the children.
C. The books that were read.	D. The number of children. 
5. What conclusion is best supported by this passage?
A. Parents should be trained to read to their children.
B. The more children read, the more intelligent they become
C. Children’s language skills increase when they are required to respond actively.
D. Children who read actively act six months older.
Your answers
1._________	2._________	 3._________	4._________	 	5._________ 
Reading 2: Fill in each gap with ONE word given. Write your answers at the answer part below the task.
discussion	controversy	modern	distinctive	facilities
wonderful	meeting	masterpiece	symbol	strange
worlds	fields	
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous (1)_____________ buildings in the world. Officially opened in 1975, its eye-catching and (2)_____________ shape was the dream of a Danish architect called Utzon. Unfortunately, his design for the interior could not be completed for financial reasons. Nonetheless, the building was finally ready after 14 years of (3)_____________ and argument, and is now acclaimed as a (4)_____________ of modern architecture. World-class performances are regularly given in the Opera House by Australian artists from the (5)_____________ of opera, ballet and theater.
Your answers
1.___________	2.___________	3.__________ 4.__________ 	5.___________ 
Reading 3: Fill in each numbered gap with ONE appropriate word. Write your answers at the answer part below the task.
Higher Education is the period of advanced study following the completion of secondary (1)_____________. The duration of the study may be from four to seven years or more, (2)_____________ upon the nature and complexity of the programs pursued. The institution providing higher education may be either a (3)_____________ or university or a type of professional school. A junior or community college, such as those maintained by some state (4)_____________ of higher education, offers a 2-year program of general education and/or technical training that serves either as terminal schooling or as preparation for more specialized study in a 4-year college or university. When the basic course of study is successfully (5)_____________, usually at the end of four years, the graduate receives a bachelor's degree. 
Your answers
1.___________	2.___________	3.__________ 4.__________ 	5.___________ 
PART FOUR: WRITING (70 points)
Writing task 1: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.
I can’t get my feet into these shoes. 
è These shoes_______________________________________________________
In countries like Britain the weather changes all the time.
è The weather is very_________________________________________________
He found out the key which he lost a long time ago.
è The key___________________________________________________________
Given fair warning, I could have avoided that date.
è If you had told me___________________________________________________
Please don’t say things like that.
è I wish_____________________________________________________________
I am always nervous when I face a lot of people.
è Facing____________________________________________________________
I’ve warned you not to go near that dog.
è I’ve warned you about________________________________________________
Is it essential to meet your aunt at the station? 
è Does your aunt need________________________________________________?
The mother came and lived with them to take care of their children. That was their request
è It________________________________________________________________
You lied to them, which was wrong
è You______________________________________________________________
Writing task 2: For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence, but using the words given in bold letters. The words must not be altered in any way.
Jo’s training accident meant she couldn’t take part in the race (prevented)
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I am fed up with his behavior. (enough)
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To Alan’s amazement, the passport office was closed when he arrived. (find)
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I would like to express my thanks for everything you have done for me. (thankful)
_______________________________________________________________________
His handwriting is so small that I can hardly read it. (such)
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My parents were always telling me what to do when I was small. (being)
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If you don’t take care of those shoes, they won’t last long. (look)
_______________________________________________________________________
I regret giving Dennis my phone number (wish)
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Would you like to go for a coffee in 10 minutes or so? (about)
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There is no ice-cream left in our fridge. (run)
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Writing task 3: 
The graph below shows the percentage of smokers in selected countries, for the period 1960- 2000. In not more than 150 words, write a paragraph for a lecturer describing the information in the graph
% of smokers in the population
% of Population who smoke everyday
60
50
40
30
20
10
•
1960
•
1970
•
1980
•
1990
•
2000
USA
Japan
Holland
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Writing task 4: 
Many people keep dogs and cats as companions. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pet ownership for the animals involved. (not more than 200 words)
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