Question

[tranthuylinh]

I.           Read the following passage and choose the best answers.

A superstition is a traditional belief in the magical effects of a particular action or thing. Many superstitions are related to luck. For example, breaking a mirror or spilling salt brings bad luck. On the other hand, carrying a rabbit’s foot or being boom on a Sunday brings good luck. According to other superstitions, specific actions bring specific results. Guests throw rice at a wedding to ensure that the couple will have many children. Wearing a white wedding dress was made popular by England’s Queen Victoria. And, if a female wedding guest puts a piece of the wedding cake under her pillow at night, she will dream about her future husband.

Although many people ridicule such beliefs as irrational and unscientific, some of them may have a practical origin. Hanging garlic around a child's neck is supposed to provide protection from illness. Garlic may really have this effect, but because the strong smell keeps sick people away from the child! Another superstition states that lighting three cigarettes with one match will bring bad luck. This belief probably began during World War I when at night, a match that stayed lit too long provided a target for the enemy.

Every human culture in history has had some superstitious beliefs. Almost all people behave in a superstitious way once in a while. Maybe that is because everyone at sometime feels afraid or uncertain about the future. Superstitions can be comforting. They give people a sense of knowledge and control over what happens to them.

1.     What is the topic of the passage?

A. Meanings and origins of superstitions                               B. Superstitions from different cultures

C. Superstitions with practical origins                                    D. Superstitions about health

2.     According to the passage, which of the following brings good luck?

A. Spilling salt                     B. Lighting three cigarettes        C. Breaking a mirror         D. Carrying a rabbit's foot

3.     Which of the following sentences does NOT belong in the passage?

A. According to the other superstitions, specific actions bring specific results.

B. Wearing a white wedding dress was made popular by England's Queen Victoria.

C. Although many people ridicule such beliefs as irrational and unscientific, some of them may have a practical origin.

D. Every human culture in history has had some superstitious beliefs.

4.     It can be inferred from this passage that ______.

A. all superstitions are related to luck                                   B. all superstitions have practical origins

C. all superstitions are related to magical effects                   D. all superstitions are scientifically proven

5.     The word ‘them’ refers to ______.

A. superstitions                   B. people                                  C. knowledge and control        D. beliefs

6.     According to the passage, superstitions are common because they ______.

A. make people feel better                                                   B. have practical origins

C. are often true                                                                  D. are followed by educated people