Variant 1 You could have come first and won the race if you … faster

21. The word PROSPEROUS in the passage is closest to meaning to …
A) flourishing B) reasonable C) gratitude D) reliable
22. According to the passage, all following statements are TRUE EXCEPT:
A) The number of labour-saving devices complicate our lives.
B) Our towns become overpopulation and contaminated.
C) The kids are always hassling for the latest gadgets.
D) Although society is excepted to be benefitting, people feel drained.
23. The author considers …
A) the economy makes us feel optimistic. B) pessimistic protections of the economy.
C) the incomes cover expenditure. D) that shares are growing.
24. What can be best describe the text?
A) Global prosperity B) Optimistic economy C) Benefits of the economy D) The menace of economy


Most people think that girls are better students than boys. ln England, girls score higher marks in tests in most subjects and at most ages. At the age of seven, 88% of girls reach the excepted level for their age, but only 80% of boys do. By the age of eleven, the difference is 80% to 69%, and the gap is wider at fourteen years old. A similar situation exists in the USA and many other countries. However, two American researches, William Draves and Julie Coates, believe that it is not the boys who are the problem, but the schools. Their book, Nine Shift: Work, Life, and Education in the 21st century, explains that in fact boys are better prepared for the future. Boys are more interested in computers and the Internet. They like taking risks, and thinking about ways of making money and teamwork - things that are important for success at work. The problem is that schools punish boys for this behaviour because they are bad at listening and following instructions.
25. According to the text, why do schools discipline boys?
A) They are fond of computers and the Internet. B) They don't take tests in most subjects.
C) They don't obey the rules of schools. D) They make money instead of attending classes.