X-19. Reading Evaluation

Passage 1 (Questions 1-4)

The Tokyo subway system is one of the most complex in the world. It is famous for being extremely punctual. During peak hours, it can get incredibly crowded, so “station attendants” are employed to help push passengers safely inside the trains. While it may sound intense, many commuters rely on the system daily for its efficiency.

1. What is the main topic of this passage?

2. In line 2, what does “punctual” mean?

3. Why are “station attendants” employed?

4. In line 4, what does “its” refer to?

Passage 2 (Questions 5-8)

Borobudur, located in Central Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. It was built in the 9th century but was later abandoned. For centuries, it lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash. It was rediscovered in 1814. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists.

5. When was Borobudur rediscovered?

6. In line 2, what does “abandoned” mean?

7. What caused Borobudur to be hidden?

8. In line 4, what does “it” refer to?

Passage 3 (Questions 9-12)

Marie Curie was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist. She conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win one in two different scientific fields, and the only woman to win in two fields. Her work, however, was dangerous, and her long exposure to radiation likely caused her death.

9. What was Marie Curie’s job?

10. In line 2, what does “pioneering” mean?

11. In line 3, what does “one” refer to?

12. What was the probable cause of her death?

Passage 4 (Questions 13-16)

The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a stunning natural light display. It is usually seen in high-latitude regions like Alaska or Norway. It is caused by solar winds (charged particles from the sun) interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. This interaction excites particles in the atmosphere, causing them to glow. The most common color is a bright green.

13. What is the main purpose of this passage?

14. What is the most common color of the Aurora?

15. In line 2, what does “It” refer to?

16. In line 4, what does “them” refer to?

Passage 5 (Questions 17-20)

Coffee is a globally popular beverage. In Italy, “espresso” is a cultural staple, often drunk quickly while standing at a café bar. In contrast, in Ethiopia, the coffee ceremony is a long, social ritual. It involves roasting the beans, brewing the coffee, and serving it in three rounds. This process shows that for many, coffee is more than just a drink; it is a cultural experience.

17. What is the main idea of the passage?

18. How is Italian coffee culture different from Ethiopian?

19. In line 3, what does “It” refer to?

20. In line 4, what does “it” refer to?