Test B: English (Listening) Part 1: Listen and answer questions 1-6

 
Read the text and answer questions 36-40 
The word judo means “the way of gentleness” in Japanese. Judo is a Japanese martial art, and its 
participants use balance, power, and movement—rather than kicking or punching to overcome their opponents. 
Judo was created in the 1880s from an earlier martial art called jiujitsu, which is over 500 years old. Jiujitsu was 
developed as a fighting technique for the warrior class of Japan, but judo focuses more on a code of behavior and 
a way of living.
Judo was founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano. As a teenager in Japan, Kano was weak and small. He began 
studying jiujitsu at several schools to improve his strength and confidence. However, Kano thought the jiujitsu 
schools were unnecessarily violent and rough. So he developed a martial art that was not dangerous to practice 
and wouldn’t needlessly injure people. It built on the idea that a smaller and weaker person could defeat a 
stronger opponent by using the opponent’s own strength against himself or herself.
One of Kano’s first students was Shiro Saigo, born in Japan in 1866. Saigo originally wanted to be an 
army general but was too short to enter the military. He began studying judo with Kano and trained all day, every 
day. In 1886, Saigo participated in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Judo vs. Jiujitsu competition. The competition 
was arranged to determine which sport was superior. In his final match, Saigo was thrown several times by his 
much larger opponent, yet always landed gracefully on his feet. Finally, he used a special move to throw his 
opponent, winning the match and the competition.
As a result of this great victory, Saigo became an idol in Japan. He reached the highest level in judo in 
1889. Today, he is considered one of the Four Heavenly Lords, the four best early students of judo. 
36. Based on the passage, what was life like in the 1880s Japan for men like Kano 
and Saigo? 
A) It was a place focused on war and combat. 
B) Athletics were valued over all else. 
C) It was challenging for the small and weak. 
D) There were many business opportunities. 
37. When was the Judo vs. Jiujitsu competition? 
A) in the 1300s B) in 1866
C) in 1886 D) in 1889 

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38. Based on information in the passage, which word best describes Shiro Saigo? 
A) determined 
B) arrogant 
C) hot-tempered 
D) loyal 
39. Saigo’s performance in the competition showed that he was . 
A) larger than his opponent 
B) both agile and strong 
C) easily distracted and confused 
D) feared by his opponent