UNIT 4: LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

I.LISTEN: Listen to the CD and decide whether the statements are TRUE or FALSE
A. 1. The questions were very hard. …….
2. The examiners asked Lan’s name, address and the reason she learned English. …….
3. Lan must pass all written examination before attending the course …….
4. Paola thinks she can pass the examination. …….
B. 1. Kate is studying English in London. …….
2. Nga works for a national bank in Hanoi. …….
3. Nga needs to improve her Writing and Listening skills. …….
4. She hopes to understand her favorite songs in English. …….
C. 1. Kate and Liam post their video online for their classmates to use. …….
2. Kate and Liam agree if you review English grammar, you will improve your English …….
3. You should record yourself to hear your mistakes. …….
4. Kate doesn’t agree you should label things around the house. …….
II. MULTIPLE CHOICE:
1. I can complete a spoken Vietnamese test if ____________.
A. nosy B. manly C. funny D. necessary
2. The English course will take ______ at the end of this week.
A. part B. place C. abroad D. turn
3. We often take part in many cultural ______.
A. acts B. actions C. activity D. activities
4. Could you please send me the details of courses and ______?
A. money B. fares C. fees D. tickets
5. She has a good ___________ as a well-qualified teacher.
A. fame B. state C. voice D. reputation
6. If you study at The Brighton Language Center – UK, you can live in a(n) __ on campus.
A. dormitory B. apartment C. mobile home D. shelter
7. Cong Phuong seems to be well-qualified ______ the position of a central forward.
A. in B. of C. by D. for
8. They asked me who the editor of this book ______?
A. is B. are C. was D were
9. I’ve never seen this word before. Use a dictionary to ____________.
A. look it over B. look it after C. look it at D. look it up
10. This car ______ if it is cheap.
A. buys B. will buy C. will be bought D. bought
11. Justin said “I will do it tomorrow”. He said he would do it __________.
A. the following day B. the previous day C. the day before D. tomorrow
12. I’m sure you will succeed ______ the entrance examination.
A. in B between C. on D. of
13. “I suggest going to Vung Tau on the weekend.” –
“______________”
A. That’s a reason B. That’s a good idea C. That’s a fine D. That’s a trip
day
14. We received our first ______ a few days ago.
A. paper B. passage C. book D. report
15. He decided to ______ a course in art and design.
A. make B. do C. take D. write
16. What aspect of ______ English do you find the most difficult?
A. study B studied C. learnt D. learning
17. “Congratulations on your exam result” – “______.”
A. You’re welcome B. Thanks a lot C. That’s good D. All right
18. “Mary got the job even though she wasn’t qualified” – “______.”
A. That’s good news B. There are good news C. There’s good news D. This is a good news
19. That day was the sixteenth ______ November.
A. in B. on C. of D. at
nd
20. The examination will be held ______ June 2 , 2018.
A. at B. in C. on D. by
III. CAUTION SIGNS – WARNINGS:
1. What does the sign say? A. No horn
B. No music
C. No noise
D. No instrument

2. What does the sign say? A. It is easy to catch the fire.

B. It is firing here.
C. You can smoke here
D. It is dangerous to play with the fire

3. What does the sign say? A. Dogs are not good friends
B. Dogs are not allowed to walk here.
C. Killing dogs is illegal.
D. Dogs should not walk alone.

4. What does the sign say? A. Anybody can park here.

B. You can park here if you are not visitors.
C. Only the visitor living in this country can park here.
D. Parking in this space for visitor only

5. A. Watch out for falling bricks.

B. Avoid this doorway.
C. Remember to cover your head.
What does the sign say? D. Remember to lower your head
IV. GUIDED CLOZE TEST:
1/ English is one of the most popular languages (1) ______ the world. It comes second in the
number of speakers after Chinese. In Viet Nam, more and more people are studying English,
considering it a key to (2) ______ However, not everyone knows how to learn English effectively.
The best way to improve the four skills, speaking, listening, reading and writing, is (3) ______
regularly. You should make use of every opportunity to speak English with friends in class or at
English speaking clubs or even with yourself in front of the (4) ______. Learning by heart all the
words (5) ______ much if you do not read a lot because you will easily forget what you have
learnt. Reading books, listening to radio or watching films are better ways to memorize words.
Besides, English learners should not be so shy because making mistakes is (6) ______ in
learning foreign languages. Practicing speaking a lot is a good way to correct your mistakes.
1. A. in B. on C. over D. to
2. A. succeed B. success C. successful D. successfully
3. A. practice B. practiced C. practicing D. to practice
4. A. room B. table C. mirror D. book
5. A. help B. don’t help C. helps D. doesn’t help
6. A. avoidable B. unavoidable C. important D. unimportant
2/ Where, when and how languages began is still (1) ______ mystery. Many people think that
language grew from human beings (2) ______ animal sounds and that they learned to use these
sounds to communicate with each (3) ______ . Probably the language of primitive people consists
(4) ______ a complicated system of sounds. However, we can only trace the history of languages
to the time (5) ______ they were first written and by then they (6) ______ well- developed.
1. A. a B. an C. the D. one
2. A trying B. imitating C. speaking D. listening
3. A. another B. other C. others D. ones
4. A. for B. on C. of D. to
5. A. when B. where C. which D. that
6. A. seem B. are C. was D. were
3/ Every year many people in the world learn English. Some of them are young children. (1) _____ are
teenagers. Many are adults. Some learn at school, and some learn in evening classes. A few learn
English by (2) _______ or just by (3) _________ to the language on television or among their friends.
Most people must work hard to learn English. (4) ___________ do all these people want to learn
English? It is difficult to answer that question.
Young children learn English at school to study better at their subject. Many adults learn English
because (5) ___________ useful for their work. Teenagers often learn English for their higher studies,
because some of their books are written (6) _________ English at college and university. Other people
learn English because they want to read English newspapers or magazines for information and
entertainment.
1. A. The others B. Others C. Another D. Each other
2. A. them B. their C. themselves D. theirs
3. A. listening B. speaking C. talking D. hearing
4. A. What B. How C. Why D. Where
5. A. they are B. it is C. there is D. of being
6. A. in B. at C. with D. by
4/ English is a very useful language. If we (1) _____ English, we can go to any countries we like. We
will not find it hard to make people understand (2) ______ we want to say. English also helps us to
learn all kinds of subjects. Hundreds of books are (3) __________ in English every day in (4) ______
countries. English has also helped to spread ideas and knowledge (5) ______ all corners of the world.
Therefore, the English language has helped to spread better understanding and (6) ______ among
countries of the world.
1. A. know B. don’t know C. knew D. will know
2. A. where B. how C. what D. when
3. A. wrote B. write C. written D. writing
4. A. some B. many C. few D. much
5. A. for B. to C. in D. on
6. A. friend B. friendly C. friendship D. friendliness
5/ There are many different ways to improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills when
you study (1) ________ language. It’s easy to (2) ______ a mistake when you write a letter or speak for
the first time. You can get a friend who speaks the language well and record them (3) ______ your
phone. Then you can play it back at home and review (4) ______ they pronounce different words.
Another tip many language teachers share (5) ______ to label things you use (6) _______, like your
book or your backpack. This will help you when you try to translate English words into your own
language in the future.
1. A. other B. others C. another D. the other
2. A. do B. make C. take D. give
3. A. on B. of C. in D. at
4. A. what B. why C. when D. how
5. A. is B. are C. was D. were
6. A. lot B. a lot C. lots D. a lot of

IV. READING COMPREHENSION:

1/ More than 400 million people speak English as their mother tongue. Another 400 million speak
it as a second language. No one know how many people speak it as a foreign language. Chinese is
the language with more speakers than English, but it is only the language for more than one billion
Chinese people. English is the official language on one-fifth of the land area in the world. It is
spoken in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. In South Africa and India, it
is one of the official languages. In many countries, the textbooks in universities are written in
English. More than three fourths of the world’s mails are composed in English. More than three-
fifths of the radio stations broadcast programs in English. English is the language of international
communication.
Answer True or False
1. Chinese has more speakers than English.
2. More than 60% of the world’s mails are in English.
3. People in New Dehli cannot speak English.
4. There are more than one billion Chinese people.
Choose the best answer
5. What is the language compulsorily spoken in Canberra, the capital of the Australia?
A. Chinese B. English C. Australian D. American
6. How many people speak English primarily?
A. Three-fifth of the world population.
A. One-fifth of the world population.
B. Four hundred million people.
C. One billion people.
2/ Dear Mr. Lawrence,
I have seen your advertisement for summer language courses and I am thinking of attending one for
two or three weeks. Could you please send me some information and details of prices?
I would particularly like to know how many students attend the schools, their ages and how many
students there are in a class. Also, can you explain what is included in the sports program and what
amenities there are near the school? For example, is there a cinema or swimming-pool in little
Bonnington? Could you tell me something about your staff? Are they all qualified teachers?
Lastly, as I am a music student, I wish very much to stay with a family who have a piano that I can
practice on. Do you think it would be possible to arrange this?
I look forward to receiving your reply.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Rovetta
Answer True or False
1. Daniel wants to attend the spring language courses.
2. Daniel wants to know the number of students of that school.
3. He wants to know the age of the teaching staff.
4. He has a piano and wants to bring there.
Choose the best answer
5. The word “amenities” in line 5 mostly means ______.
A. humanities B. universities C. facilities D. capacities
6. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage?
A. Daniel would like to know the number of students in a class.
B. This is a formal letter.
C. Daniel doesn’t care about the school fees.
D. Daniel is excited about the reply to her interests.
3/ A short-term exchange program is also known as summer or cultural exchange program. These focus
on homestays, language skills, community service, or cultural activities. High school and university
students can apply for the programs through various governmental or non-governmental organizations
that organize the programs. A short-term exchange program lasts from one week to three months and
doesn’t require the student to study in any particular school or institution, while a long-term one may last
from ten months or up to one full year. Typically, guest students coming to the United States are expected
to stay with a host family so as to benefit an intensive program that increases their understanding of other
cultures, communities, and languages.
Answer True or False
1. If you are an exchange student, you will likely work to help the local community without being paid.
2. High school and university students are not the right person to apply for the exchange programs.
3. Exchange students have a chance to study languages more intensively.
4. A short-term exchange program may last up to one full year
5. What is the passage mainly about?
A. A brief introduction of an exchange student.
B. A brief introduction of summer and cultural program.
C. A brief introduction of short-term exchange student program.
D. A brief introduction of long-term exchange student program.
6. We can infer from the passage that _____________
A. the exchange student’s family is called host family.
B. there are many different organizations that organize the exchange programs.
C. the family the exchange student stays with is called guest family.
D. all exchange students become fluent in the language of the host country within a few months.
4/ It might sound strange to you but these are some important rules. If you want to pass examinations,
then study grammar. However, if you want to become fluent in English, try to learn English without
studying too much grammar because that will only slow you and confuse you. You will think about the
rules when creating sentences instead of speaking naturally like a native speaker. Some native speakers
do not know so many grammar rules as non-native students do.
Everyone can speak at least one language whether they are intelligent, or lack some brain power.
This could be achieved by being surrounded by that language at all times. You may notice that there are
also some people who study abroad and learn very little. That is because they go to an English-speaking
school, but find friends from their own country and don’t practice English. Some other can speak English
well because they live in an English-speaking environment.
Therefore, why don’t you surround yourself with English? Make rules with some friends that you
will only speak English when meeting up for a coffee, for example. You can also carry around an Ipod
and listen to English as much as possible.
Answer True or False
1. You don’t need to study too much grammar to be fluent in English.
2. You need to be quite intelligent to study a language well.
3. Living in an English speaking environment, people will learn the language better.
4. An Ipod may useful for you to improve your listening skill.
5. What do English learners need to speak English well?
A. English books B. English dictionaries
C. an English speaking environment D. English teachers
6. What does an Ipod help you?
A. practice speaking B. practice listening
C. practice reading D. practice writing

5/ Jack Hughes, May 7

There are many reasons why English is an international language.
One major reason is that English is used in international politics.
English is also widely used in the entertainment industry. Most Hollywood movies are in English and
many of the world’s best – known singers perform in English.
English is used in airports around the world. This is the main language for airline pilots. They need to be
able to speak and read English so that they can do their jobs. Hotel staff often learn how to speak English,
so they can communicate with tourists around the world. Not only that, English is used by many
companies to communicate with different branches around the world. These are some of the many reasons
why English is an international language.
1. English is used in a small number of Hollywood movies.
2. Airline pilots need to be able to read and speak English.
3. English is used by companies to communicate with international branches.
4. Only a few well-known singers perform in English.
5. What is the best title of the passage?
A. English in the world
B. English: the language of students.
C. The only reason to use English.
D. The main language for airline pilots.
6. Which one is the synonym of the word “best-known”?
A. famous B. unpopular C. favorite D. well-qualified
VI. WORD FORMS:
1. The restaurant is ______________ for its Western meals. (fame)
2. Have you seen the new ______________ for Double Rich shampoo? (advertise)
3. Janet has earned a good ______________ for herself in school. (repute)
4. She has just got some ______________ about her family. (inform)
5. I need only one volume to ______________ my set of Dicken’s novels (completion)
6. The ______________ asked her a lot of questions. (examine)
7. We need further details but we are ______________ about anything. (inform)
8. I wonder if this morning is ___ for you to make a speech at our school. (convenience)
9. We have many well- ______________ teachers in our school. (qualify)
10. He is an ______________ of this newspaper office. (edit)
11. They are studying hard for their coming ______________. (examine)
12. Tom was very excellent. He ______________ answered all the questions. (exact)
13. We often take part in many ______________ activities at school. (culture)
14. He is a young teacher, but he is very ______________. (experience)
15. The course is suitable for both ______________ and advanced students. (begin)
16. I watch the news every day because it is very ______________. (inform)
17. Ton works for an ______________ bank in Ho Chi Minh City. (nation)
18. She wants to go abroad, so she studies English very ______________. (good)
19. The song seemed _____________ to me, so I turned off the hi-fi system. (interest)
20. He will ______________ his spoken test next week. (completion)
VII. REARRANGEMENTS
1. to the west / is / His home village / the city / of / about thirty kilometers
.............................................................................................................................................................
2. at the entrance / is / a big old banyan tree / there / The village / to
.............................................................................................................................................................
3. twenty minutes / my house / to walk / It / to the park / from / took me
.............................................................................................................................................................
4. the examination / she was / that / said / ready for / Lisa
.............................................................................................................................................................
5. she / the following week / said to / Mary / would / study English / me
.............................................................................................................................................................
6. I / was / The last time / went / six years ago / to the park
.............................................................................................................................................................
7. a nearby town / works / a grocery store / part- time / in / She / at
.............................................................................................................................................................
8. his family / has been / the first time / he / with / to London / This is
.............................................................................................................................................................
9. his brother / saw / since / nearly twenty years / Mr. Brown / last / It’s
.............................................................................................................................................................
10. drama group / interested in / you / Are / joining / our local / ?
.............................................................................................................................................................
11. how/ She asked me/ I/ in my country/ learn English
.............................................................................................................................................................
12. an international bank/ works for/ in/ She/ Ho Chi Minh city
.............................................................................................................................................................
13. with other/ learn to speak/ Why not/ a foreign language/ ?
.............................................................................................................................................................
14. I speak/ but/ a little Vietnamese,/ I/ to read and write it/ want to learn
.............................................................................................................................................................
15. must study/ If you/ good grades,/ you/ want to get/ harder
.............................................................................................................................................................
16. a spoken Vietnamese/ I/ test/ can/ if necessary/ complete/
.............................................................................................................................................................
17. aspect of learning English/ What/ find/ do you/ most difficult/?
.............................................................................................................................................................
18. I disagree/ we can’t/ because/ practice speaking/ with native speakers/ English
.............................................................................................................................................................
19. she was having/ there/ Aunt Xuan said/a wonderful time
.............................................................................................................................................................
20. to learn a foreign language/ a lot easier/ it is spoken/ in a country/ It’s/ where
.............................................................................................................................................................
VIII. TRANSFORMATIONS
1. “Don’t drink any milk today”, the doctor said to Jenny.
 The doctor asked ………………………………………………………………
2. “Are you free this Sunday morning, Peter?”
 Peter’s father asked …………………………………………………………
3. “How many schools are there in your city?”, he said to me
 He asked …………………………………………………………………..
4. Mary told me, “My house is being built this week”
 Mary told me ………………………………………………………………
5. Lisa said to me, “Do you want me to buy a magazine for you?”
 Lisa asked me …………………………………………………………………….
6. The bank clerk said, “Would you mind signing the back of the cheque?”
 The bank clerk asked me ……………………………………………………….
7. “I can’t explain this rule to you”, Miss While said to me
 Miss While told me ……………………………………………………………
8. Mr. Black asked his secretary, “Do you happen to see my report anywhere?”
 Mr. Black asked his secretary ………………………………………………………
9. “Who puts salt in my cup of coffee?”
 He asked ………………………………………………………………………….
10. Mary said, “What can I do to help you with your homework, Tom?”
 Mary asked ……………………………………………………………………..
11. “I will repaint my house for Tet”, my friend said to me.
 My friend said to me that his house …………………………………………………..
12. Ba said, “I am going to meet your sister in front of the station, Liz”
 Ba told …………………………………………………………………..
13. He said, “Why don’t we stop eating chicken to avoid being infected with bird flu?”
 He suggested that chicken shouldn’t………………………………………….
14. “I’m sorry I didn’t phone you last night”, Tim said to his father.
 Tim apologized……………………………………………………..
15. John said to me, “Let’s have dinner out this evening”
 John suggested that………………………………………………………………..
16. “You have done excellent work this month”, the manager said to the workers.
 The manager congratulated the workers……………………………………………
17. “Don’t forget to do all your homework, David”
 I reminded David………………………………………………………………
18. “Would you like a cup of coffee, Nam?”
 John offered ……………………………………………………………………
19. He asked me, “Why don’t you put your luggage under the seat?”
 He suggested that……………………………………………………………..
20. My friend said to me, “Thank you very much for helping me with these assignments”
 My friend thanked me……………………………………………………………..
21. With luck, he may pass the entrance examination.
 If ..............................................................................................................................
22. Practice speaking English every day or you can’t improve your English.
 If ..............................................................................................................................
23. Hurry up or she will miss the train.
 If ..............................................................................................................................
24. Study harder and you will pass the test next month.
 If ..............................................................................................................................
25. She wants to speak English perfectively, so she practices it every day.
 If ..............................................................................................................................
26. Be careful or you will break the vase.
 If .........................................................................................................................................
27. He can do a part to save the environment by buying recycled products.
 If he buys ...........................................................................................................................
28. Don’t be careless or you will fall over the rock.
 If .........................................................................................................................................
29. If you don’t rest, you really will be ill.
 Unless.................................................................................................................................
30. If the weather isn’t bad today, we can go swimming.
 Unless ……………………………………………………………………………………