The National Environmental Policy Act was first presented to Congress in 1969 and the
following year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established as an
independent agency in the executive branch of the US government "to implement the new
law and permit coordinated and effective government action on behalf of the
environment". The EPA consolidates in a single body the administration of all federal
environmental legislation, ranging from the Refuse Control Act of 1899 to the most
recent statutes concerning environmental pollution. The agency monitors environmental
quality and seeks to control pollution. It has established special programs in air and water
pollution, hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals, and sponsors research in the
technologies of pollution control. The agency is in charge of collecting environmental
impact statements: reports on the probable environmental effects of proposed projects
which might significantly alter the environment. The National Environmental Policy Act,
which became effective in 1971, requires every US government agency to issue a
statement on any project it plans to undertake, regulate, or fund. From this creation to the
present day, the environmental impact statement has been attacked as a hindrance to
economic growth and as too vague to prove a strict standard for environmental control.
The EPA reviews all federal environmental impact statements to ensure that the
statements comply with laws. Litigation may be instigated if environmental
considerations conflict with existing zoning or planning laws. The Endangered Species
Act of 1972, which is designed to protect rare animal and plant species, has been used to
block several projects that might destroy vital wildlife habitats.

The word "consolidates " is closest in meaning to________.

A. attentive B. impartial C. important D. confident

A. follow B. expect C. provide D. appear

The farmers would no longer have to travel to markets at night to
keep his products cool.

You have been listening to music for two hours, Jane," Tony said.

Last weekend, six students from the Donoho School went on a fascinating trip back in
time. These students accompanied Jacksonville State University professor William
Bannister on a fossil hunt. The students, professor, and three graduate assistants headed
to a valley near Cheaha Mountain. The valley was not previously known to have any
fossils in it. However, two months ago, some campers in the valley stumbled upon some
bones sticking out from the ground. When they brought them to the museum, they were
told that the bones were those of a brontosaurus, a species of dinosaur.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Damke Foundation, the students were able to
accompany the professor on his dig. They spent most of both Saturday and Sunday
carefully digging in the area. "We found a few bones," said Wendy Jacobs, a Donoho
senior. "We're not sure which animal they're from, but the professor assured us they were
from a dinosaur."
"The students, all of whom intend to major in science at college, are looking forward to
returning this coming weekend. "There's enough money in the grant for the next month,
so we should get to return at least three more times." said Donoho student Philip Peters.

The word “them ” in the first paragraph refers to_______.

As the train gradually slowed down in the approach to King's Cross station, Harry
thought he had never wanted to leave it less. He even wondered briefly what would
possibly happen if he simply refused to get off, but remained (39)_______ sitting there
until the first of September, when it would take him back to Hogswarts. When the train
finally came to a standstill, (40)_______, he lifted down Hegdwig's cage and prepared to
drag his trunk from the train as usual. When the ticket (41)________ signalled to Harry,
Ron and Herminone that it was safe to walk through the magical barrier between
platforms nine and ten, he found a surprise that was awaiting him on the (42)________
side: a group of people (43)______ he had not expected at all were standing there to greet
him.

As the train gradually slowed down in the approach to King's Cross station, Harry
thought he had never wanted to leave it less. He even wondered briefly what would
possibly happen if he simply refused to get off, but remained (39)_______ sitting there
until the first of September, when it would take him back to Hogswarts. When the train
finally came to a standstill, (40)_______, he lifted down Hegdwig's cage and prepared to
drag his trunk from the train as usual. When the ticket (41)________ signalled to Harry,
Ron and Herminone that it was safe to walk through the magical barrier between
platforms nine and ten, he found a surprise that was awaiting him on the (42)________
side: a group of people (43)______ he had not expected at all were standing there to greet
him.

As the train gradually slowed down in the approach to King's Cross station, Harry
thought he had never wanted to leave it less. He even wondered briefly what would
possibly happen if he simply refused to get off, but remained (39)_______ sitting there
until the first of September, when it would take him back to Hogswarts. When the train
finally came to a standstill, (40)_______, he lifted down Hegdwig's cage and prepared to
drag his trunk from the train as usual. When the ticket (41)________ signalled to Harry,
Ron and Herminone that it was safe to walk through the magical barrier between
platforms nine and ten, he found a surprise that was awaiting him on the (42)________
side: a group of people (43)______ he had not expected at all were standing there to greet
him.

The National Environmental Policy Act was first presented to Congress in 1969 and the
following year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established as an
independent agency in the executive branch of the US government "to implement the new
law and permit coordinated and effective government action on behalf of the
environment". The EPA consolidates in a single body the administration of all federal
environmental legislation, ranging from the Refuse Control Act of 1899 to the most
recent statutes concerning environmental pollution. The agency monitors environmental
quality and seeks to control pollution. It has established special programs in air and water
pollution, hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals, and sponsors research in the
technologies of pollution control. The agency is in charge of collecting environmental
impact statements: reports on the probable environmental effects of proposed projects
which might significantly alter the environment. The National Environmental Policy Act,
which became effective in 1971, requires every US government agency to issue a
statement on any project it plans to undertake, regulate, or fund. From this creation to the
present day, the environmental impact statement has been attacked as a hindrance to
economic growth and as too vague to prove a strict standard for environmental control.
The EPA reviews all federal environmental impact statements to ensure that the
statements comply with laws. Litigation may be instigated if environmental
considerations conflict with existing zoning or planning laws. The Endangered Species
Act of 1972, which is designed to protect rare animal and plant species, has been used to
block several projects that might destroy vital wildlife habitats.

On what grounds has the environmental impact statement been criticized?

The National Environmental Policy Act was first presented to Congress in 1969 and the
following year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established as an
independent agency in the executive branch of the US government "to implement the new
law and permit coordinated and effective government action on behalf of the
environment". The EPA consolidates in a single body the administration of all federal
environmental legislation, ranging from the Refuse Control Act of 1899 to the most
recent statutes concerning environmental pollution. The agency monitors environmental
quality and seeks to control pollution. It has established special programs in air and water
pollution, hazardous wastes, and toxic chemicals, and sponsors research in the
technologies of pollution control. The agency is in charge of collecting environmental
impact statements: reports on the probable environmental effects of proposed projects
which might significantly alter the environment. The National Environmental Policy Act,
which became effective in 1971, requires every US government agency to issue a
statement on any project it plans to undertake, regulate, or fund. From this creation to the
present day, the environmental impact statement has been attacked as a hindrance to
economic growth and as too vague to prove a strict standard for environmental control.
The EPA reviews all federal environmental impact statements to ensure that the
statements comply with laws. Litigation may be instigated if environmental
considerations conflict with existing zoning or planning laws. The Endangered Species
Act of 1972, which is designed to protect rare animal and plant species, has been used to
block several projects that might destroy vital wildlife habitats.

Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

. Liam and Andy, two lecturers, are talking about a new plan.
- Liam: "I think we should start a "study buddy" programme."
- Andy: "_______. This may help less-able students to learn better."

Alex and Mark are talking about an English competition.
- Alex: "We've passed the first round of the English presentation competition."
- Mark: "________”

The price of houses has gone up. They're a lot_______ than last time.

Anne left Germany in the________ of seeing her family again before very long.

The film star made a dramatic entrance,________ everyone's attention.