Reading passages

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--toward other birds; and a few become good, though small- voiced, mimics. Many color varieties and intergeneric hybrids are known in the wild as well as in aviaries.
232- It is pointed out in the passage that ............ .
A) one can't find any parakeet in temperate zones
B) India and Sri Lanka together have more parakeets than Pacific Islands and Americas
C) you can never see a parakeet flying or living alone
D) parakeets are considered to be the most-loved pet all over the world
E) parakeets are both lovely and troublesome creatures
233- It is clear from the passage that parakeets ................ .
A) require a large environment as they are very energetic
B) are very hostile against all other animals
C) learn everything by memorizing what has been said
D) are generally red and yellow, though there are green ones
E) can easily find their mates through different colours they have
234- In general, most parakeets ................. .
A) are colorful and quite attractive
B) don’t have the ability to imitate what is said using their voices
C) agitate their owners by behaving them cruelly
D) belong to pure species, which have never mixed others so far
E) are liked just due to their ability to imitate


Lung cancer occurs primarily in persons between 45 and 75 years of age. In the late 20th century, in countries with a prolonged history of cigarette smoking, between 80 and 90 percent of all cases of lung cancer were caused by cigarette smoking. Heavy smokers have a greater likelihood of developing the disease than do light smokers. The risk is also greater for those who started smoking at a young age. Passive inhalation of cigarette smoke is also linked to lung cancer in nonsmokers. In the early 1990s it was estimated that passive smoking caused some 2,500-3,300 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, or about 2 percent of all U.S. lung cancer deaths.