Questions 14 through 16 are based on the following passage.

14. A. In order to protect the weak and old ones.

B. In order to show beautiful shape of them.

C. In order to maintain physical strength.

D. In order to keep teamwork spirit.

15. A. How the birds decide the order of the group.

B. How the birds decide the route of the group.

C. How the birds decide the time of flying of the group.

D. How the birds decide who takes charge of the group.

16. A. Birds’ ability to keep order. B. Birds’ flying pattern as a team.

C. Birds’ intention to migrate. D. Birds’ skills to tell directions.

Questions 17 through 20 are based on the following conversation.

17. A. Beautiful scenery in the countryside. B. Cross-country skiing.

C. Dangers of winter sports. D. Pain and pleasure in sports.

18. A. He can’t find good examples to illustrate his point.

B. He can’t find a peaceful place to do the assignment.

C. He can’t decide whether to include the effort part of skiing.

D. He doesn’t know how to describe the beautiful country scenery.

19. A. New ideas come up as yowrite. B. Much time is spent on collecting data.

C. It’s hard to find a proper topic. D. The writer’s point of view often changes.

20. A. How to revise a paper in an academic manner.

B. How to polish your arguments in a paper.

C. How to tell the main ideas in a paper effectively.

D. How to decide on relevant content for a paper.

II. Grammar and Vocabulary

Section A

Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

One steamy July afternoon in central Arkansas, I was working on an important project in my home office. My trusty printer was busy producing an important report (21) ______ it simply stopped. After fifteen minutes of trying to repair, I decided to buy a new printer. Upon my return, my heart froze to see my house on fire.

(22) ______ having spent much of my life writing, I was speechless when facing this situation. I was lost for adequate words (23) ______ (describe) the sick, sinking feeling of seeing my home, business, and belongings going up in flames along with photographs and memories (24) ______ (collect) over a lifetime. But the panic that filled my shocked heart in that awful moment was for the nine cats that shared my home after (25) ______ (rescue) from situations of ill-treatment and abandonment.

Responding to an early security-system warning, the amazing firefighters arrived immediately, (26) ______ the chemical smoke had already caused deaths. I examined and kissed each cat goodbye, extremely grateful that they had passed gently, without injuries or burns.

Only animal lovers really understand the unbelievable impact (27) ______ the loss of one beloved four-legged family member can have on your heart, mind and soul. The loss of so many dearly loved creatures sent me in great sorrow.

After staying with a friend of mine for a couple of weeks, I was relocated to a furnished apartment. One evening, about a month after moving in, I (28) ______ (occupy) in writing a mystery novel, and at that time a “meow” sounded from outside the apartment door. Was it my mind playing tricks again? More than once I had heard, seen or felt the brush of one of my departed furry roommates. The meow grew louder and more repetitive. Curious, I opened the door.

Sitting on the doorstep was a kitten with a black coat and alert eyes. A neighbor (29) ______ (walk) by picked him up and began petting him. When I remarked how cute her kitten was, she explained that it had been born under a bridge and looked around for food. This kitty-loving neighbor was quick to offer an extra litter box if I was interested in giving him a home. My immediate reaction was: “that’s all I need!” without hesitation she put the cute kitten down. I thanked her and closed the door, determined to just let him stay (30) ______ a real home could be found.

Section B

Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than yoneed.

A. contrast B. unknown C. trapped D. responsibility E. willingness

F. external G. sense H. cease I. encounter J. indecisive K. passive

There are two basic ways to see growth: one as a product, the other as a process. People have generally viewed personal growth as a(n) 31 result or product that can easily be identified and measured. The worker who gets a promotion, the student whose grades improve, the foreigner who learns a new language-all these are examples of people who have measurable results to show for their efforts.

By 32 , the process of personal growth is much more difficult to determine, since by definition it is a journey and not the specific signposts or landmarks along the way. The process is not the road itself, but rather the attitudes and feelings people have, their caution or courage, as we 33 new experiences and unexpected obstacles. In this process, the journey never really ends. There are always new ways to experience the world, new ideas to try, new challenges to accept.

In order to grow, to travel new roads, people need to have a 34 to take risks. And we are supposed to be ready to face the 35 , and to accept the possibility that we may “fail” at first. How we see ourselves as we try a new way of being is essential to our ability to grow. Do we perceive ourselves as quick and curious? If so, then we tend to take more chances and to be more open to unfamiliar experiences. Do we think we’re 36 and shy? Then our 37 of shyness can cause us to hesitate, to move slowly, and not to take a step until we know the ground is safe. Do we think we’re slow to adapt to change or that we’re not smart enough to cope with a new challenge? Then we are likely to take a more 38 role or not try at all.