Đề thi HKI trường THPT chuyên TN - chương trình chuẩn và nâng cao năm 2012-2013

 Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 1 to 5.

            Today, in many parts of the world, it is customary for people to shake hands upon meeting as gesture of good will. Originally, however, the practice of  shaking hands had a more practical purpose.

            Shaking hands originated in medieval times. In those days, when a man came on a stranger, he would often automatically reach for his sword with his right hand, in case he had to use the weapon to defend himself. Sometimes, both parties found themselves circling around each other, weapons in hand, until it was mutually agreed that the weapons could be laid aside. Then, the two parties extended their right hands to show they had no weapons, and clasped them. This was the beginning of the handshake.

            The custom of shaking hands is not a universal one. In the Orient, people have, for centuries, clasped their own hands in front of them upon meeting to show that they held no weapons. In France, a custom developed in which people who met would kiss each other on both cheeks. The natives of some South Seas inlands greet by rubbing noses.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the rest in the position of the main stress in each of the following questions.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word(s) for each of the blanks from 35 to 39.

            Around the age of eighteen, you must make one of the biggest decisions of your life. “Do I stay on at school and hopefully go on to university later? Do I have and start work or beginning a training (35)_____ ?”

            The decision is yours, but it may be (36) _____ remembering two things: there is more unemployment among people who haven’t been to university, and people who have the right skills will have a big advantage in the competition for jobs. If you decide to go (37)______ into a job, there are many opportunities for training. Getting qualifications will help you to get on more quickly in many careers, and evening classes allow you to learn (38) _____ you earn. Starting work and taking a break to study  when you are older is another possibility. This way, you can save up money for your student days, as well as (39)______ practical work experience.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to show the underlined part that needs correction in each of the following questions.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to each of the following questions.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from that of the rest in each of the following questions.