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

Humans have struggled against weeds since the beginnings of agriculture. Marring our gardens is one of the milder effects of weeds – any plants that thrive where they are unwanted. They clog waterways, destroy wildlife habitats, and impede farming. Their spread eliminates grazing areas and accounts for one-third of all crop loss. They compete for sunlight, nutrients, and water with useful plants.

The global need for weed control had been answered mainly by the chemical industry. Its herbicides are effective and sometimes necessary, but some pose serious problems, particularly if misused. Toxic compounds threaten animal and public health when they accumulate in food plants, groundwater, and drinking water. They also harm workers who apply them.

In recent years, the chemical industry has introduced several herbicides that are more ecologically sound. Yet new chemicals alone cannot solve the world‟s weed problems. Hence, scientists are exploring the innate weed-killing powers of living organisms, primarily insects and microorganisms.

The biological agents now in use are environmentally benign and are harmless to humans. They can be chosen for their ability to attack selected targets and leave crops and other plants untouched. In contrast, some of the most effective chemicals kill virtually all the plants they come in contact with, sparing only those that are naturally resistant or have been genetically modified for resistance. Furthermore, a number of biological agents can be administered only once, after which no added applications are needed. Chemicals typically must be used several times per growing season. 

With what topic does this passage primarily deal?

• A. The dangers of toxic chemicals.
• B. A proposal to ban the use of all herbicides.
• C. The importance of the chemical industry.
• D. Advantages of biological agents over chemical ones. 

• Câu 2: Mã câu hỏi: 46372

  The word ‘marring’ in bold is closest in meaning to

  • A. planting
  • B. spoiling
  • C. dividing
  • D. replacing 

• Câu 3: Mã câu hỏi: 46373

  The word ‘clog’ in bold is closest in meaning to

  • A. drain
  • B. grow along
  • C. obstruct
  • D. float on

• Câu 4: Mã câu hỏi: 46374

  Which of the following terms does the author define in the first paragraph?

  • A. grazing area
  • B. weeds
  • C. nutrients
  • D. wildlife habitats

• Câu 5: Mã câu hỏi: 46375

  Which of the following statements about the use of chemical agents as herbicides would the author most likely agree? 

  • A. It has become more dangerous recently.
  • B. It is occasionally required.
  • C. It is safe but inefficient.
  • D. It should be increased.

• Câu 6: Mã câu hỏi: 46376

  The word ‘innate’ in bold is closest in meaning to

  • A. effective
  • B. natural
  • C. active
  • D. organic

• Câu 7: Mã câu hỏi: 46377

  The word ‘applications’ in bold could best be replaced by which of the following?

  • A. treatments
  • B. requests
  • C. special purposes
  • D. qualifications

• Câu 8: Mã câu hỏi: 46378

  Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?

  • A. Two possible causes of a phenomenon are compared.
  • B. A problem is described and possible solutions are discussed.
  • C. A general idea is introduced and several specific examples are given.
  • D.  A recommendation is analysed and rejected.