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 37 to 40).

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the American educational system was desperately in need of reform. Private schools existed, but only for the very rich. There were very few public schools because of the strong sentiment that children who would grow up to be laborers should not "waste" their time on education but should instead prepare themselves for their life's work. It was in the face of this public sentiment that educational reformers set about their task. Horace Mann, probably the most famous of the reformers, felt that there was no excuse in a republic for any citizen to be uneducated. As Superintendent of Education in the state of Massachusetts from 1837 to 1848, he initiated various changes, which were soon matched in other school districts around the country. He extended the school year from five to six months and improved the quality of teachers by instituting teacher education and raising teacher salaries. Although these changes did not bring about a sudden improvement in the educational system, they at least increased public awareness as to the need for a further strengthening of the system.

The best title for the passage could be __________.

Telecommunication is bound to have a huge influence on various aspects of our lives.

While she was cooking with her mother in the kitchen, her brothers _______ to the radio.

The influence of the nation’s literature, art, and science have captured widespread attention.

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.

CULTURE SHOCK

Many people dream (16) _______ living in a foreign country. It can be an amazing experience for those who are willing to settle down in a new place. (17) _______, there’s one potential problem you should be aware of: culture shock. Culture shock is a feeling you get from living in a place that is (18) _______ different from where we grew up that we are not sure how to deal with it. Societies are organized in many different ways. Customs and traditions can be very different and that can sometimes make it difficult (19) _______ on with local people who might not approve of things you do and might object to things you say. You might be banned from doing things in another country that are perfectly legal in your own. For example, in Singapore people can be forced to pay a large fine just for dropping rubbish. Eventually, though, most people who live abroad fall in love with their adopted country and learn to accept (20) ________ differences.

She is a friendly girl who gets _______ everyone she meets.

My friend Ann has decided to buy a motorbike. Her car was stolen last week.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word or phrase that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined part in each of the following questions.

In Western countries, it is polite to maintain eye contact during conversation.

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.

For children over the age of 10, daily attendance at schools is not compulsory. Some of the older children attend school only once or twice weekly to get tutorial support or instruction from a teacher. For the most part, pupils are encouraged to work online from home. Students should complete a minimum number of study hour per year; however, they may make up these hours by studying at home at times that suit their family schedule. They can log on early or late in the day and even join live classes in other countries. In order to ensure that each student is learning adequately, computer software will automatically monitor the number hours a week each student studies on line as well as that student's learning materials and assessment activities. Reports will be available for parents and teachers. The software can then identify the best learning activities and conditions for each individual student and generate similar activities. It can be also identify areas of weak achievement and produce special programs adjusted to the students' needs.

What is the topic of the passage?

“Who does this ball belong to?” the mother asked.