Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 13 to 20.

Baseball evolved from a number of different ball-and stick games (paddle ball, trap ball, one-old-cat, rounders, and town ball) originating in England. As early as the American Revolution, it was noted that troops played “baseball” in their free time. In 1845 Alexander Cartwright formalized the New York Knickerbockers’ version of the game: a diamond shaped infield, with bases ninety feet apart, three strikers – you’re – out, batter out on a caught ball, three outs per inning , a nine man team. “The New York Game” spread rapidly, replacing earlier localized forms. From its beginnings, baseball was seen as a way of satisfying the recreational needs of an increasingly urban – industrial society. At its inception it was it was played by and for gentlemen. A club might consist of 40 members. The president would appoint two captains who would choose teams from among the members. Games were played on Monday and Thursday afternoons, with the losers often providing a lavish evening’s entertainments for the winners

During the 1850- 70 period the game was changing, however, with increasing commercialism (charging admission), under – the – table payments to exceptional to players, and gambling on the outcome of games. By 1868 it was said that a club would have their regular professional ten, an amateur first - nine, and their” muffins“ (the gently duffers who once ran the game) . Beginning with the first openly all – salaried team (Cincinnati’s Red Stocking Club) in 1869, the 1870- 1890 period saw the complete professionalization of baseball, including formation of the National Association of Professional baseball players in 1871. The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was formed in 1876, run by business-minded invertors in joint-stock company clubs. The 1880s has been called Major League Baseball’s “Golden Age”. Profits soared, player’s salaries rose somewhat, a season of 84 games became one of 132, a weekly periodical “The sporting News” came into being, wooden stadiums with double-deck stands replaced open fields, and the standard refreshment became hot dogs, soda pop and peanuts. In 1900 the Western League based in the growing cities of the Mid-west proclaimed itself the American League.

What is the passage mainly about?

• A. the origin of baseball
• B. the influence of the “New York Game” on baseball
• C. the commercialization of baseball. 
• D. the development of baseball in the nineteenth century

• Câu 2: Mã câu hỏi: 44539

  Which of the following can be inferred from the passage? 

  • A. the “New York “spread rapidly because it was better formalize.
  • B. hot dogs would not have become as popular as they did, without the professionalism and commercialism that develop in baseball.
  • C. the wealthy gentlemen who first played baseball, later needed to find another recreational opportunity if they did not want to mix with other or become a “muffin”.
  • D. business – minded investors were only interested in profits.

• Câu 3: Mã câu hỏi: 44540

  The word “inception” in line 8 is closest in meaning to____________.

  • A. requirements
  • B. rules
  • C. insistence
  • D. beginning

• Câu 4: Mã câu hỏi: 44541

  Which of the following is true of the way the game was played by wealthy gentlemen at its inception?

  • A. they didn’t play on weekend.
  • B. the president would choose teams from among the members.
  • C. a team might consist of 40 members.
  • D. they might be called “duffer” if they didn’t make the first nine.

• Câu 5: Mã câu hỏi: 44542

  According to the second paragraph, all of the following are true except__________.

  • A. commercialism became more prosperous
  • B. the clubs are smaller
  • C. outstanding players got extra income
  • D. people gambled on the outcome of game

• Câu 6: Mã câu hỏi: 44543

  Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a feature of the 1880s “Golden Age”?

  • A. profits soared
  • B. a weekly periodical news
  • C. wooden stadiums replaced open fields
  • D. the National Association of Professional Baseball Players was formed

• Câu 7: Mã câu hỏi: 44544

  The word “itself” in line 24 refers to________.

  • A. the Western League
  • B. growing cities
  • C. the Midwest
  • D. the American League

• Câu 8: Mã câu hỏi: 44545

  The word “lavish“ in line 11 is closest in meaning to________ .

  • A. very generous
  • B. prolonged
  • C. Grand
  • D. extensive