Short Advanced Reading Comprehension Test 38 With MCQs and Answers

In accordance with the passage, compared with the absolute kings of the past, modern dictators _____.

The writer supposes that a major distinctive feature of "law" is _____.

In accordance with the passage, the major protest against the despots of modern times _____.

The shopping centre emerged in the early 1900s in the suburbs that encircled American cities. Suburbs at that time tended to be chiefly residential and depended on the traditional city centres for shopping. The first suburban commercial centres had three identifiable features: they consisted of a number of stores built and leased by a single developer; they were usually situated at a significant intersection, and they provided plenty of free, off-street parking.

These “shopping villages” resembled small-town shopping districts, both in their architecture, which was carefully traditional, and in their layout, which integrated them into the surrounding neighbourhood. The stores faced the street and the parking was usually in the rear.

Before the introduction of shopping centres, those living in the residential suburban areas _____.

A popular site for the early shopping centres in the United States was _____.

The new "shopping villages" were reminiscent of small-town shopping areas _____.

Computers have brought about a greater change in our society in recent decades than any other force and are likely to continue to do so until the next century. The industry surrounding computers is growing rapidly, providing employment for many but at the same time making others redundant. Jobs that computers can do far more reliably, faster and cheaper are lost.

The redeployment of labour and the prospect of increased leisure are causing social upheavals which require new ideas and significant changes of attitude.

It is pointed out in the passage that the introduction of computers into daily life _____.

According to the passage, the impact computers have had on society _____.

As is implied in the passage, the widespread use of computers in industry _____.

The achievement of equality between men and women implies that they should have equal rights, opportunities, and responsibilities to enable them to develop their talents and capabilities for their own personal fulfilment and the benefit of society. To that end, a reassessment of the functions and roles traditionally allotted to each sex within the family and the community at large is essential.

Governments should ensure both women and men equality before the law, the provision of facilities for equality of educational opportunities and training, and equality in conditions of employment, including remuneration and adequate social security.

The passage emphasizes that the question of equality between men and women _____.

As is pointed out in the passage, the equality of the sexes essentially means for everyone _____.

It is made clear in the passage that the maintenance of equality between men and women in society _____.

In the mid-1970s, after 30 years of rapid growth and unprecedented prosperity for the major Western economies, the prospects for continued growth became much less favourable. This resulted partly from the acceleration of inflation in many countries, which brought with it insecurity and militancy in industrial relations. However, the main cause was the remarkable increase in the price of oil in 1973 and again in 1979, a fuel on which the Western economies had become heavily dependent.

This produced a strong burst of inflation. Because much of the oil revenue accruing to producers could not be spent, it gave rise to an unprecedented balance of payments problem and severe world recession.

One can understand from the passage that, in the three decades prior to the mid-nineteen seventies, _____.

It is pointed out in the passage that rising oil prices in 1973 and 1979 _____.

It is explained in the passage that the world recession of the mid-1970s was largely due to the fact that _____.

Nova Fabrics is a Portuguese textile and clothing firm which, until recently, employed 200 workers and had a turnover of 6 million pounds. Now, however, Nova is facing serious problems. In the last two years, its fabric sales have remained steady, but profits have fallen sharply. This is because Pakistani and Italian suppliers have been forcing prices down.

In the ready-to-wear market, the situation is worse. Competition is cut-throat. Exporters from 24 low-cost countries are fighting for a share of the European market. Nova is suffering from this competition. The stores are now bargaining hard over prices, and Nova has already lost two large orders.

The passage presents the case of a textile firm which, _____.

We can understand from the passage that the area which has been hit worst by international competition _____.

One can conclude from the passage that Nova's problems _____.

In 1945, Japanese rule in Korea came to an end after 36 years when the Russians occupied the northern part of the country and the Americans occupied the South. It was planned that the country should be reunified after free elections, but in practice, rival governments were set up.

The Korean War broke out in 1950 when Communist North Korea, under Kim Il-sung, invaded the South with Chinese support in an attempt to unify the country by force. South Korea was supported by a United Nations Force in what was really an American “containment” operation. In 1953, an armistice was signed and the demarcation line between North and South Korea was agreed upon.

According to the passage, it was the invasion of South Korea by the Communist North that _____.

It is obvious from the passage that the withdrawal of Japan from Korea in 1945 _____.

As is explained in the passage, the reunification of Korea after the Japanese withdrawal _____.

What is the current role of the United States? Is it, as some say, a nation in decline, one that is falling behind in the competitive arena of international trade? Or is it undergoing a process of adaptation and renewal?

A spate of books has been published on the subject during the past few years, sparking a wide-ranging public debate over these concerns. One of the best-known books is Paul Kennedy’s ‘Rise and Fall of the Great Powers.’ In fact, Paul Kennedy is the most prominent of the decline theorists.

Examining the history of great powers such as 16th-century Spain and the British Empire around 1900, he identifies a pattern of ‘imperial overstretch.’ To maintain a position of dominance, great powers over time find themselves devoting an increasing share of their resources to military security. This often leads to a neglect of technological innovation and, ultimately, to a decline in economic strength.

The questions with which the author begins this passage _____.

In his 'Rise and Fall of Great Powers', Paul Kennedy _____.

According to the passage, the question of the current role of the United States ______.