DECEMBER, 3 (2)

My favorite thing is an aquarium. It is a place in which aquatic plants and animals, particularly fish, are kept. The term is applied to single tanks for home use in which fish are kept for their decorative effect and interesting habits and to public institutions with tanks for exhibition and scientific study of aquatic life.
            I make home aquariums to simulate a natural environment. Aquatic plants supply the oxygen needed by the fish, but often an aerating device is used to furnish additional oxygen. Goldfish enjoy the cool water, but the popular tropical fish must have water at a constant temperature of 22°C (72°F) or more. I must keep the water pure and free of algae for long periods by sufficient aeration and by keeping mollusks in the aquarium. A layer of sand or gravel at the bottom of the tank will hold the roots of such important aquatic plants as tape grass, vallisneria spiralis, and aid in the removal of debris. My home aquariums range in size from small fishbowls holding two or three pets to huge tanks.

11. To give additional oxygen ... is used in a home aquarium.
A. a natural environment
B. aquatic plants
C. an aerating device
D. a layer of sand
E. a cool water

12. Which is not needed to stimulate a natural environment in a home aquarium?
A. Putting aquatic plants in the aquarium
B. Using a suitable aerating device
C. Keeping mollusks in the aquarium
D. Removing the debris regularly
E. Keep the constant temperature for particular fish.

13.  What is the above passage about?
A. The writer's home aquariums
B. A natural environment
C. Making an aquarium
D. Aquatic plants and animals
E. Kind of fish in the sea

Read the text and answer questions 14 to 16

          Yesterday night was the night of the fair, the following day was a holiday. The children at Tim's school were really excited. They ran down the path out of school as fast as they could. Tim ran all the way home and changed into his jeans and sneakers. He ate his dinner quickly and sat at the window waiting for his dad to come. He couldn't wait for six o'clock when the fair would begin. He had been saving his pocket money for weeks.
          When Tim and his family arrived at the fair, it had just opened. Already there were crowds of people swarming around food stalls, displays and dozens of rides. "Can I buy some chips and a drink?" asked Tim.
          "Okay," said Tim's dad. "But hang on tightly to your wallet. There are a lot of people around." "I'll be fine', said Tim impatiently.
          He found a food stall, and ordered his food. When the man brought his chips and drink, without thinking, Tim put his wallet on the counter and picked up his food and drink. When he glanced back, his wallet had vanished! Tim desperately looked around him, but it was no use. All his pocket money was gone. 

(Source: Exploring Writing by Sue Garnet)

14.  The fair started...
A. in the morning
B. in the afternoon
C. in the evening
D. after school
E. before School

15.  The children at Tim's school felt excited because ...
A. they would go to the fair
B. the following night was a holiday
C. they found a food stall
D. they got new jeans and sneakers
E. their parents came to visit them

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