reading comprehension 1. A new skate park has been proposed for Vancouver's Stanley Park. While the plan has had a lot of support from the skate community, residents living close to the area are concerned about he type of youth that it will attract. In spite of skate boarding's popularity, promoted by celebrities such as Tony Hawk, there still remain a number of misconceptions about the sport. It will be interesting to see if the plan goes ahead, and whether or not it helps the sport to __________________________. (a) gain momentum in Asia (b) take the blame for rising crime rates (c) become popular among teens (d) shake its bad reputation 2. In business news, the Canadian dollar has reached 94 cents to the American dollar, a level it has not been at since the 1970s. It has been projected that the Canadian dollar will be on a par with the US dollar before the year's end. This is good news for Canadian businesses, but not as good for Canadians who are working in the United States. _________________ hoping to get a good exchange rate when they transfer their earnings back into Canadian dollars. (a) Many Americans have their jobs in Canada (b) Many Canadians work in the United States (c) Many Americans import from Canada (d) many Canadians invest in the Unites States 3. On average, women spend nearly twice as much as men do on hair products each year. Interestingly, this is due mainly to quantity as opposed to quality. While men spend far less than women, on average, they are more likely to spend more on individual products. When surveyed, men admitted to having little idea what products they need, and are easily swayed by beauty counter attendants to buy higher-end products. Women, on the other hand, are more concerned about value, and ______________________. (a) seek out lower cost items (b) end up buying expensive items (c) refuse to buy any beauty products at all (d) criticize men's lack of judgement 4. Health officials have just announced that the childhood infection known as the mumps has reappeared across the country. While the mumps used to be common, these days it is considered quite rare. Widespread vaccination programs ________________. While in the early 1950s there were 34,000 cases a year, by the 1990s that number that fallen by 99% to 400. Between 2000 and 2004 the number of cases dropped to an average of 87. However, concern about the mumps has resurfaced as an outbreak that began on the east coast gained momentum, spreading westward across the country. (a) have caused the mumps to break out (b) have made children suffer from the mumps (c) have promoted the importance of personal hygiene (d) have all but eliminated it as a childhood disease 5. Throughout the 1860-70s Chinese people risked their lives to build the American railroad, but as soon as the project was completed, America wanted them to leave the country. What followed was a difficult period for Chinese immigrants to America. In spite of being faced with a head tax, personal attacks, and discrimination from the workforce, _________________. Today, Chinese-Americans are an integral part of America's multi-cultural society. integrating old and new world traditions in forming their identities. (a) the Americans developed their affinity (b) some Chinese regretted their decisions (c) the Chinese in America persevered (d) China and America deferred their talk 6. As the US elections near, health care has become one of the biggest 'election issues.' Every candidate has a stance on it, and many have been criticized for wavering in their plans. The issue has gained even more public interest following the release of Michael Moore's new documentary Sicko which highlights some of the cracks in the current American health care system. It is expected that health care ______________________. (a) will garner interests from pharmaceutical companies (b) will be improved tremendously through its reform (c) will be the issue that determines this next election (d) will not be as big a deal as people have expected 7. How much water should we drink in a day? For years, the standard was eight glasses a day. Nutritionists advise drinking a glass of water first think in the morning. Others suggest drinking at least five glasses before noon. The truth is, the number will be different for everyone. The important thing is to __________________. For the most part, our bodies tell us when we need water. If you're feeling fatigued or like a headache is coming on, the chances are that your body needs water. Often time people misread these signs and give their bodies food instead of water. (a) listen to your body (b) drink as much as possible (c) try not to make yourself tired (d) have eight glasses of water per day 8. Many companies are beginning to implement new health care plans for their employees that offer more comprehensive coverage. Most current plans offer limited vision and dental care, and anywhere from 30-70% prescription drug coverage. These plans generally cost approximately $85.00/month, 75% of which is covered by the employer. The more comprehensive plans will cost more on a monthly basis, but offer better coverage which would give people, especially families, greater peace of mind. For most people, a slightly higher monthly payment for full coverage is ________________. (a) a serious letdown (b) a good trade-off (c) a pain in the neck (d) a walk in the park 9. The creators of the cartoon Sough Park have come under criticism for a recent episode that aired which negatively depicts the actor Cam Thomas. The actor has sued the creators, and is fighting to have the episode removed from the season's DVD. This is not the first time the South Park's creators _______________________. Part of the appeal of the cartoon is that it deals with mature themes and often makes politically charged statements. the cartoon-format gives the show a certain innocence, which often acts as a cover for the maturity of the program itself. (a) should apologize to an actor in public (b) came up with a controversial magazine (c) will be found guilty of fraud (d) have upset a well-known media figure 10. As bio diesel becomes a more feasible alternative to oil, an increasing number of food crops _______________________. Corn has been central to the bio diesel project, as it is one of the best crops for ethanol extraction. With global warming on the minds of politicians and voters, bio diesel in and important issue, both for the upcoming election and for environmental reasons. As corn has gained prominence as a producer of bio fuel, corn stocks have skyrocketed as people race to buy into it. (a) may cause global warming (b) are being modified into energy crops (c) are being replaced by corn (d) are being refined to provide wholesome food 11. A recent recall on precut baby carrots has left consumers even more frightened about the foods they consume. This was the third in a series of recalls on packaged vegetables sold in grocery store produce departments. These recalls have made consumers more aware of where their food is coming from, which, in many cases, is miles and miles away. For the most part, very little of the produce available at grocery stores _________________________. What this means is that it has been grown, packaged, and shipped in massive quantities, often picking up bacteria somewhere along the way. (a) needs to be transported (b) comes from abroad (c) has been recalled (d) is produced locally 12. November 7, 2007 To Mr. J. Kelley, This is a final notice. Your September bill of $64.07 is overdue, and must be paid in full immediately. Failure to pay will result in your cellular phone services being disconnected. Once it is disconnected, you will be required to pay $50.00 for reconnection services, if you so desire. If there are any discrepancies in our records, please inform us immediately. If we have not received payment by November 18, 2007, _________________________. Rayman Cellular Services Customer Service Department (a) you should settle the account (b) you will hear from our lawyer (c) we will clear your account (d) we will disconnect your phone 13. Knitting has become a fashionable craft amongst younger women. In cities across North America, 'knitting circles' can be seen in cafes and small pubs. 2007 ' The Year of the Craft' has helped to popularize some older crafts such as knitting, and introduce them to a younger generation. Many young women say they find knitting to be relaxing, which may account for its popularity. Another factor may be the shift in the style industry this year to chunky-knit scarves and toques. As opposed to paying $60 for a hand-knit scarf in a boutique store, young women __________________________. (a) are simply knitting the scarves themselves (b)don't like to get their hands dirty (c) love to show their sensitive, feminine side (d) prefer to buy cheaper machine-knit one 14. Maintaining a proper diet is nearly impossible considering the number of mixed messages coming out of the dieting industry. Diet books are one of the best selling genres of writing. It's not surprising then that the general public is bombarded with __________________. From low fat to low carbohydrate diets, nearly every diet on the market presents a different idea of 'healthy eating.' While many diets are effective in the short-term, very few are sustainable for the long-term. The result is that people find themselves trapped in a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. (a) wholesome, light, fun ways to eat (b) good nutrition and a balanced diet (c) cheap quick-fix diet products (d) so many conflicting messages 15. In local news, an elderly couple walking through South Pleasant Park this afternoon spotted a black bear on the pathway. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the encounter, as the bear simply passed by, but the couple appeared to be slightly shaken up. The man had a cellular phone on hand, and was able to call 911 immediately. Police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and even two helicopters were sent to the scene immediately. _____________________, all of the commotion appeared to scare the bear into a protected woodland area, and authorities were unable to locate him. Residents have been warned to take extra precaution when walking through the park. (a) At the same time (b) Indeed (c) In addition (d) However 16. Chicken pox is an infectious disease that is commonly caught in childhood. It is not a serious disease and nearly all children experience it. However, adult chicken pox can be much more severe. For this reason, parents often intentionally put their children in close proximity to a child with chicken pox, which increases the chances that they will catch it. Chicken pox is also easily spread as a result of its 10-15 day incubation period. _______________________, chicken pox is in its most infectious stage before the carrier has any visible signs of the disease. (a) That is (b) Thus (c) Conversely (d) Rather 17. As mega-stores such as Wal-Mart spread to more cities and towns, smaller stores are increasingly unable to compete. Often referred to as 'big box stores,' corporations like Wal-Mart have immense buying ower based on the size of stores as well the number of stores worldwide. It is almost impossible for smaller businesses to offer prices as low as the big companies. Many communities have attempted to ban the building of 'big box stores' in their towns in an effort to protect independent businesses. Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (a) A welcoming of large corporations (b) A review of Wal-Mart's profits (c) Responses to mega-store development (d) A critique of independent businesses 18. Some of the most sophisticated bank robberies in England were recently uncovered. London police say they were baffled by the sophistication of the thieves. An ATM machine was ripped off early in the year, with the thieves getting away with over half a million pounds. Officers said that the thieves were utilizing advanced technology which was unknown to them. All of the suspected thieves are facing trial, and up to 35 years in prison if convicted. Q: What is the best title for the above passage? (a) Advanced ATM Technology (b) Suspected Bank Espionage (c) A London Robbery (d) Imprisoned Thieves 19. Singer and songwriter Jewel has just re-released her 1994 album 'Pieces of You' with enhanced sound and production. The album is being sold for $25.99 at all HMV Music stores as a special collector's edition. When initially released in 1994, the album sold millions of copies and boosted Jewel to international fame. Some fans are critical of the re-release, seeing it simply as a moneymaking ploy by Jewel's managers. Jewel is expected to release her 8th new album in the fall of 2009. Q: What is the passage mainly about? (a) The release of a collector's CD (b) The announcement of a music tour (c) Jewel's break with her managers (d) Jewel's 2009 album re-release 20. Film piracy persists to be a problem in the United States, as people continue to illegally download movies, dramatically cutting into box-office sales. A new plan is underway to counter this trend. The plan involves a law that bans the use of video recording devices in theaters. At this time, anyone caught with such a device has simply been asked to leave the theater, but has not been charged with any offence. That may be changing soon if new laws are put into effect. Q: What is the main idea of the passage? (a) Box-office sales have been low and plans are in place to remedy this (b) A new regulation is intended to deter illegal movie recording (c) Video recording devices will be allowed in theaters soon. (d) Illegally downloaded movies account for billions in lost revenues. 21. The city of Bend, Oregon, is internationally renowned for its pristine mountain biking trails. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced rider, you'll find trails in Bend to suit your ability. In addition, Bend offers some of the best restaurants in the state, with award winning chefs working out of a number of the high-end hotels. For more information, contact Discover Bend at 1-800-534-1212, and ask for a brochure on travel to Oregon. Q: What is the main idea of this passage? (a) Bend , Oregon, is a great tourist destination. (b) There are a number of good restaurants in the state. (c) Only advanced mountain bikers should use the trails. (d) Oregon is not well known to international travelers 22. Airlines remain strict on security regulations, and the limitations on what can be brought on the plane in carry-on luggage seem to be tightening. Many air travelers have been experiencing frustration as water bottles and bottles of shampoo are confiscated at security. Part of the frustration comes from different airlines implementing different regulations, leaving passengers confused as to what they can and cannot pack. The best idea for travelers is to call the airline a day earlier just to confirm what the rules are at present. Q: What is the best title for the passage? (a) A Reduction in Airport Security Personnel (b) Confusion Regarding Security Regulations (c) Baggage Weight Restrictions on Airplanes (d) Heightened Incidents of Theft in Airports 23. December 5, 2007 Notice to all tenants: On Thursday, December 14th we will be fumigating the building for silverfish. Due to the toxicity of the fumigation, no one will be allowed into the building between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plese have all food products removed from your suites, or safely stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If you have any concerns, I am happy to address them, and can be reached at (514) 555-9649 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Darryl White AAA- Bug Services Q: Which of the following is NOT included in the notice? (a) The date of the fumigation (b) The type of insect infestation (c) The hours of building closure (d) Mr. White's after-hours number 24. Escape Getaways offers the ideal family vacation, with resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta. From June 1 to September 1, children stay for free! This offer applies to one child per family, and is based on double room occupancy. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other. Additional children can stay for $220/week. Escape Getaways also provides inexpensive daycare facilities, allowing parents to take a break and relax. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The offer only applies to resorts in Puerto Vallarta. (b) Activities for children are provided for $220/week. (c) Daycare facilities are provided by Escape Getaways free of charge. (d) Parents bringing more than one child must pay an additional cost. 25. Author Pete McCarthy has received prasise for his humorous travel novel McCarthy's Bar. Pete McCarthy writes in a style similar to Bill Bryson, offering the knowledge of a well-read traveler coupled with the clever insights of a humor writer. The novel follows McCarthy as he travels through Ireland, uncovering friends and family from his ch9ildhood vacations spent in the country. McCarthy draws his readers in, making them feel as though they were on the trip with him. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) Pete McCarthy wrote with Bill Bryson in Ireland. (b) McCarthy's writing lacks the structure of an experienced writer. (c) Bill Bryson writes in an analogous manner to McCarthy. (d) McCarthy's Bar follows McCarthy on his first journey through Ireland. 26. A reporter for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) remains in captivity 45 days after he was kidnapped at gunpoint by militants. The reporter was the only western journalist permanently posted in the Gaza Strip. Today, a video appeared on a militant webpage showing the reporter in good health, and declaring that he has faced no violence or ill treatment from his captors. While the video is uplifting for those close to him, there is no way of knowing when the video was recorded. Friends and family are pleading for the reporter's immediate release. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) An American reporter was captured by militants (b) No other journalists set foot in the Gaza Strip. (c) The militants released a video of the captive (d) The reporter has already been released at this time 27. From: Holiday Plaze To: Mary Jane Date: June 12, 2007 3:18 PM Subject: Confirmation This message is to confirm your accommodations at the Holiday Plaza from Wednesday, June 19th to Sunday, June 23rd. We have you booked in a double room, with two queen-sized beds and a foldout couch. The total cost of your stay will be $542.08. We will not process your payment until you have checked in. Any changes or cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-888-555-7643 if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Guest Management Holiday Plaza Q: Which of the following is correct according to the e-mail? (a) The Holiday Plaza charges $542.08 per night. (b) Changes must be made at least two days prior to check in. (c) Mary Jane's accommodations have been cancelled. (d) The foldout couch is available for an additional charge. 28. The game of 'Word Match' was initially released in 1938, popularized in the 1970s, and is now owned by 1 in 4 families in North America. The game combines spelling and vocabulary with an element of luck, which might account for its popularity across such a wide range of players. This year, a commemorative edition will be released, including the original tile design from the 1938 edition. Pre-orders are already being taken, and it is expected that stores will sell out within hours. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The game is popular amongst a small group of people. (b) The commemorative edition varies greatly from the original. (c) The game 'Word Match' has lost its popularity. (d) The new edition is expected to be well received. 29. The weather should be looking up this week, with temperatures expected to reach 32 degrees by Tuesday, and a high of 34 degree on Wednesday. Later in the week, temperatures should cool to the high 20s, with a mix of sun and clouds. Over the weekend we may see some rain, as a low-pressure system is expected to travel east a cross the province. The showers should pass by Sunday afternoon, and the sun will likely return. Check back on the website anytime for your up-to-the-minute weather forecast. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the forecast? (a) Temperatures will drop by mid-week (b) There may be rain on Saturday. (c) The weather is entirely unpredictable (d) Tuesday will be warmer than Wednesday. 30. Critter's Camping offers 19 spacious campsites on beautiful Long Beach in Tofino. Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, a picnic table, and a space to set up one family-sized tent. Bathroom and shower facilities are available, as well as a kitchen and dish washing area. Critter's is open 365 days a year, and campsites cost $14.00 a night for up to two people, plus $2.00 a night for each additional person. Call today to make a reservation, and ask about our weeklong discount rates. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) The cost of campsites increases for more than two people. (b) Critter's does not accept reservations without a deposit (c) Rates are discounted for stays less than one week. (d) Picnic tables are available for a reasonable cost. 31. The American Cancer Society is looking for a Senior Fundraising Coordinator. The suitable applicant will have a minimum of 3-5 years experience working with a not-for-profit community organization. An undergraduate degree in the Social Sciences is required, and preference will be given to anyone with a Master's degree. A vehicle will be provided as the position involves travel within the region, but a driver's license is a requirement. This position may involve evening and weekend work. Q: Which is correct about the position advertised? (a) The successful candidate needs only a high school diploma. (b) It requires less than three years experience in non-profit organization. (c) It needs someone willing to work evenings and weekends. (d) It requires less than five years experience in fundraising coordination. 32. Suggestion of fixed elections in the developing world has garnered the attention of the media across Western Europe. One critical element of any country claiming to be a democracy is a free election process. Free elections are something that a large number of people in the developed world simply take for granted, to the extent that voter turnout is less than 67% in most first world countries. however when it comes to free elections in developing countries, or the lack thereof, a powerful group of countries in Western Europe have taken notice. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the article? (a) Voter turnout is over 50% in the developed world. (b) There are no free elections in the developing world. (c) Democracy exists in very few countries. (d) 67% of people voted for free elections. 33. Homelessness is becoming an increasing problem around the world. While exact numbers are nearly impossible to locate, it is estimated that over 100 million people around the world are homeless . What this means is that these people are without a stable, fixed address. In many North American cities, the response to the problem of homelessness has been to create shelters, offering people a safe place to sleep. Unfortunately, is many cases these shelters have become permanent solutions, which was never the intention. The result has been a cycle of homelessness; a cycle almost impossible to break out of. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the article? (a) Homelessness is an international problem. (b) Shelters are a viable long-term solution. (c) The cycle of homelessness is simple to break. (d) Exactly 100 million people are homeless. 34. Both the Toronto and the New York bourses experienced turmoil on Friday as the threat of a market fallout loomed. In NYC, the index dropped by 300 points mid-afternoon, causing a panic at the exchange. By close, fortunately, the index was up 200.76 points at 12,799.08-- balancing out with Thursday's slight increase. At the end of the day, the biggest gains were seen in IT stocks, health care, and the energy sector. The Dow Jones industrial average lost more than 400 points in just a few minutes of trading, but rose again by close time. Q: Which of the following is correct according to the passage? (a) IT and energy sector stocks dropped on Friday. (b) There was a commotion at the stock exchange (c) On Thursday, the index decreased. (d) Trading only opened for a few minutes. 35. From an environmental perspective, plastic is one of the worst materials ever made. Travel to parts of Asia, and you'll see countless plastic bags littering the streets. Often times these bags have been used for a single purpose, and then simply tossed away. The city of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has taken a stand on this issue, and banned the use of plastic bags entirely. The North Eastern regions of India have followed suit and implemented the same ban. It is hoped that this will catch on around the world, as the problem goes far beyond Asia. Q: What can be inferred from the passage? (a) Plastic waste is only an issue on the Asian continent. (b) Dhaka's ban on plastic bags has been widely criticized. (c) Banning plastic bags addresses the littering problem. (d) Plastic bags in India are reused a number of times 36. Working nine to five is no longer the norm for many young adults in their late 20s and early 30s. Placing a greater importance on their leisure time, a large number of young adults are negotiating flexible hours with their employers. This is not to say that they are working fewer hours, or even that they are less committed to their work. Instead, they are simply trying to find a good work-life balance, wherein they work hard, but resist the rigid boundaries to which their parents' generation subscribed. Q: What can be inferred from the passage? (a) Young adults are lazy and don't want to work. (b) Many young adults value flexibility in their work. (c) Most young adults do not find jobs until later in life. (d) Overall, most young adults work less than a 40-hour week 37. Singer and songwriter Sarah Kelly will be performing on August 16th at the Ironwood Saloon. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, and it is expected that they will sell out quickly. Tickets are available at a cost of $64.95 both at the Ironwood, and by phone through 'Ticketmaster.' Sarah Kelly is a native of the Toronto area, and has been performing since she was just 14 years old. This show marks the end of her 2007 North American CD release tour. Q: What can be inferred from the passage? (a) The musician has little performance experience. (b) The Toronto show kicks off the North American tour. (c) Singer and songwriter Sarah Kelly has a large fan base. (d) Kelly's CDs are available through 'Ticketmaster' for $64.95. 38. An increase in traffic accidents on US motorways has forced officials to look into the reasons for this sudden surge. (a) One explanation may be the large amount of traffic on nearly motorways-- more cars on the roads mean a greater potential for collisions. (b) Another explanation focuses on distractions to drivers, which could be anything from cell phones to children in the car to large billboards on the side of the road. (c) A third explanation is that the number of fatalities of traffic accidents decreased compared to last year. (d) A final reason that officials are examining is referred to as 'road rage,' which is connected to frustration with slow moving traffic causing drivers to act irrationally and possibly dangerously. 39. A 'power smoothie' requires only a few simple ingredients, and a blender. (a) An easy recipe for a strawberry banana smoothie is as follows: two small bananas, one cup frozen strawberries, one tablespoon soy protein powder mixed with 3/4 cup soy milk (serves two). (b) This is a basic recipe, but you can make any number of additions such as throwing in blueberries, raspberries, oranges, or even peaches. (c) You can also substitute the soymilk with rice milk or skim milk. (d) A smoothie is a great healthy breakfast alternative to toast or cereal. 40. Montara Beach in California has been a popular destination for American tourists ever since the 1950s. (a) However, with the Canadian dollar holding strong against the US dollar, the number of Canadian tourists has skyrocketed this summer. (b) Canadians often avoid cross-border travel when a poor exchange rate means that they will lose nearly 30 cents to every dollar. (c) Since January, the Canadian dollar has been almost on par with the US dollar. (d) At Montara Beach, this means more American tourist dollars are being spent this summer.
