Reading passages

influential in history. Even in so-called modern times, in a day when objective evidence is highly 
valued, there are few people who would not, if pressed, admit to cherishing secretly one or two 
irrational beliefs or superstitions. 

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89 
229- According to the author of the passage, superstition is .................. . 
A) a practice of belief in something with no sensible explanation 
B) underrated in today‘s modern world by all educated people 
C) being practiced only is rural villages and tribes 
D) no longer a concept not having been clarified 
E) regarded as illogical even by the least educated 
230- While some superstitions have greatly been prevalent throughout the world ............ . 
A) it's hard to convince people of their irrationality 
B) most of them are currently being forgotten 
C) we have little to do but to believe in them 
D) modern peoples don't esteem them to be rational 
E) others might be believed only a small number of people 
231- Most people in modern societies ............. . 
A) don't underestimate superstitions due to their relevance to real life 
B) have already lost their faith in superstitions 
C) might have a couple of superstitions which will reveal when they are forced to recount 
D) have reasonable basis to believe in superstitions 
E) pretend as if they don't believe in superstitions 
Parakeets occur worldwide in warm regions; they are abundant from India and Sri Lanka to 
Australia and the Pacific Islands, throughout Southeast Asia, 
and in tropical America. Typically they form large flocks and may be serious pests in 
grainfields. Most species lay four to eight eggs in a tree hole. Dozens of colorful kinds are kept 
as pets. All are highly active and need much room; most are pugnacious--notably when paired--