II. SPEED READING Skim or scan the following passages, and then decide on the best answer and write the corresponding letter on the ANSWER SHEET. (10 points, 1 point each)
Passage 5 Questions 21-25 are based on the following passage.
Ever since humans have inhabited the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a language barrier, communication is accomplished through sign language in which motions stand for letters, words and ideas. Tourists, the deaf, and the mute have had to resort to this form of expression. Many of these symbols are very colorful and exact and can be used internationally; spelling, however, cannot. Body language transmits ideas or thoughts by certain actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. A wink can be a way of flirting or indicating that the party is only joking. A nod signifies approval, while shaking the head indicates a negative reaction. Other forms of nonlinguistic language can be found in Braille (a system of raised dots read with the fingertips), signal flags, Morse code, and smoke signals. Road maps and picture signs also guide, warn and instruct people. While verbalization is the most common form of language, other systems and techniques also express human thoughts and feelings.
21. All of the following can be used internationally EXCEPT ______.
A. spelling B. motions C. sign language D. picture signs
22. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. There are many forms of communication in existence.
B. Verbalization is the most common form of communication.
C. The deaf and the mute use a verbal form of communication.
D. Body language may be equally effective in transmitting ideas or thoughts.
23. Besides oral speech, which form of communication is most commonly used by the blind people?
A. Braille. B. Signal flags. C. Body language. D. Gestures.
24. How many forms of communication are mentioned in the third paragraph? A. Seven. B. Six. C. Five. D. Four.
25. Which of the following best summarizes this passage?
A. Body language transmits ideas or thoughts more quickly.
B. Body language transmits ideas or thoughts more accurately.
C. Nonlinguistic language is more expressive than verbalization.
D. Nonlinguistic language also expresses human thoughts and feelings.
Passage 6 Questions 26-30 are based on the following passage.
American workers continue to demand shorter and shorter working hours each week. The possibility of a four-day working week is now being seriously considered; some companies are already experimenting with it. Since machines have helped to reduce the time needed for work, at the office, factory, and in the home, men and women have more leisure time today than ever before in the country's history. It is tree that much leisure is used in play. America is a country of sports-of hunting, fishing and swimming, and of team sports like baseball and football. Millions of Americans watch their favorite sport on television, play in community orchestras, make their own films or recordings, go camping, visit museums, attend lectures, travel, garden, read, and join in hundreds of other activities. America is a "do-it-yourself" country. The people enjoy building things for their homes, sewing their own clothes, even making their own photographs. They do these things for fun as well as for economy. But as much as Americans enjoy their free time, the country is at the same time a "self-improvement" country. More than 25 million adults continue their education, chiefly by going to school in the evening, during their own free time, at their own expense. Added to the time spent on personal activities, Americans also devote a great amount of their time to the varied needs of their communities. Many hospitals, schools, libraries, museums, parks, community centers, and organizations that assist the poor depend on the many hours citizens devote to these activities, often without any pay.
26. Which of the following best reflects the style of the passage?
A. Informative. B. Persuasive. C. Entertaining. D. Descriptive.
27. The proposal of a four-day working week in America ______.
A. has been accepted B. is unlikely to be accepted
C. is under consideration D. has been widely put into practice
28. What makes the reduction of working hours possible?
A. Machines have helped to reduce working time.
B. Americans have more leisure time than working time.
C. A four-day working week has proved to be successful.
D. Men and women need more leisure time than ever before.
29. According to the passage, America may NOT be described as ______.
A. a country of sports B. a country of film making
C. a "do-it-yourself" country D. a "self-improvement" country
30. In addition to the time devoted to personal activities, a great amount of free time is also spent on ______.
A. further education B. community services
C. making the films and recordings D. watching sports on
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