The central mission of a library is to collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to knowledge and information. In fulfilling this mission, libraries preserve a valuable record of culture that can be passed down to (4) ________ generations. Libraries are an essential link in this communication between the past, present, and future.

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

By being thrifty and shopping wisely, housewives in the city can feed an entire family on as little as 500.000 VND a week.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each other numbered blanks. 

Library is a collection of books and other informational materials made available to people for reading, study, or reference. The word library comes from liber, the Latin word for "book". (3) ________, library collections have almost always contained a variety of materials. Contemporary libraries maintain collections that include not only printed materials such as manuscripts, books, newspapers, and magazines, but also audio-visual and online databases. In addition to maintaining collections within library buildings, modern libraries often feature telecommunications links that provide users with access to information at remote sites. The central mission of a library is to collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to knowledge and information. In fulfilling this mission, libraries preserve a valuable record of culture that can be passed down to (4) ________ generations. Libraries are an essential link in this communication between the past, present, and future. Whether the cultural record is contained books or in electronic formats, libraries ensure (5) ______ the record is preserved and made available for later use. People use library resources to gain information about personal interests or to obtain recreational materials such as films and novels. Students use libraries to supplement and enhance their classroom experiences, to learn (6) _______ in locating sources of information, and to develop good reading and study habits. Public officials use libraries to research legislation and public policy issues. One of the most valued of all cultural institutions, the library (7) ________ information and services that are essential to learning and progress.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on the answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences in the following questions. 

According to the passage, the program "Pop Idol" __________.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on the answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best combines each pair of sentences in the following questions. 

Their team performed excellent at the elimination tournament. They didn't win trophy.

Public officials use libraries to research legislation and public policy issues. One of the most valued of all cultural institutions, the library (7) ________ information and services that are essential to learning and progress.

The boy lost several of his fingers because of firecrackers. The doctors are operating on him. 

One of the most valued of all cultural institutions, the library (7) ________ information and services that are essential to learning and progress.

For environmental safety, we need to find ways to reduce emission of fumes and smoke of factories.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each other numbered blanks. 

    Library is a collection of books and other informational materials made available to people for reading, study, or reference. The word library comes from liber, the Latin word for "book". (3) ________, library collections have almost always contained a variety of materials. Contemporary libraries maintain collections that include not only printed materials such as manuscripts, books, newspapers, and magazines, but also audio-visual and online databases. In addition to maintaining collections within library buildings, modern libraries often feature telecommunications links that provide users with access to information at remote sites. The central mission of a library is to collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to knowledge and information. In fulfilling this mission, libraries preserve a valuable record of culture that can be passed down to (4) ________ generations. Libraries are an essential link in this communication between the past, present, and future. Whether the cultural record is contained books or in electronic formats, libraries ensure (5) ______ the record is preserved and made available for later use. People use library resources to gain information about personal interests or to obtain recreational materials such as films and novels. Students use libraries to supplement and enhance their classroom experiences, to learn (6) _______ in locating sources of information, and to develop good reading and study habits. Public officials use libraries to research legislation and public policy issues. One of the most valued of all cultural institutions, the library (7) ________ information and services that are essential to learning and progress.

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. 

      The green building movement, started in the 1970s as a way to reduce environmental destruction, is changing the way buildings are constructed. In the early years, green builders were a small minority, and their goals of reducing the environmental impact of buildings were considered unrealistic. Now, however, the movement is growing, as builders have been able to take advantage of new technology.

      Green builders try to make use of recycled materials, which means less waste in dumps. Also, they reduce environmental impact by reducing the energy requirements of a building. One way is to provide an alternative, non-polluting source of energy. First, with solar panels, it is possible to produce electricity from the rays of the sun. Once installed, they provide energy at no they cost and with no pollution. 

      Another solution is to reduce the amount of energy required in a building. It is possible to cut electricity use noticeably by improving natural lighting and installing low-energy light bulbs. To reduce the amount of fuel needed for heating or cooling, builders also add insulation to the walls so that the building stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 

      One example of this advanced design is the Genzyme Center of Cambridge, the most environmentally responsible office building in America. Every aspect of the design and building had to consider two things: the need for a safe and pleasant workplace for employees and the need to lessen the negative environmental impact. 75 percent of the building materials were recycled materials, and the energy use has been reduced by 43 percent and water use by 32 percent, compared with other buildings of the same size. 

      In other parts of the world, several large-scale projects have recently been developed according to green building principles. One of these is in Vauban, Germany, in an area that was once the site of army housing. The site has been completely rebuilt with houses requiring 30 percent less energy than conventional ones. These houses, heated by special non-polluting systems, are also equipped with solar panels. 

      A larger project is under way in China. The first phase of this project will include houses for 400 families built with solar power, non-polluting bricks, and recycled wall insulation. In a second phase, entire neighborhoods in six cities will be built. If all goes well, the Chinese government plans to copy these ideas in new neighborhoods across China. 

      Green building ideas, on a small or large scale, are spreading. Individuals, companies, and governments are beginning to see their benefits. Not only are they environmentally friendly, green buildings improve living and working conditions and also save money in the long run. 

(Adapted from "Advanced Reading Power" by Beatrice S. Mikulecky and Linda Jeffries)

What is one common characteristic shared by the Genzyme Center of Cambridge and the project in Vauban, Germany?

The word "insulation" in paragraph 3 mostly means _________.