Đề thi chọn đội tuyển học sinh giỏi môn Tiếng Anh lớp 10 trường THPT Liễn Sơn, Vĩnh Phúc năm học 2014 - 2015

The black widow spider’s notoriety is not without foundation. However, an element of exaggeration has led to certain______ (1. CONCEPT) regarding its evil nature.

Firstly, this spider is not as dangerous as is often thought. While it is indeed one of the most______ (2. VENOM) species of spider, its venom being fifteen times stronger than that of the prairie rattlesnake, its bite injects such as amount of venom by______ (3. COMPARE) that it is unlikely to kill humans. In fact, ______ (4. FATAL) are rare.

Black widows bite only if they are touched or their web is threatened. Furthermore, only the adult female is poisonous. Those most at risk from the female are the spider’s natural pray-insectsand male black widow spiders. The latter are vulnerable as the female is______ (5. SOLITUDE) by nature, and has been known to kill and eat the male after mating. Such______ (6. OCCUR) are rare, but they explain how the spider got its name – and its reputation.

Nevertheless, the______ (7. PLEASE) effects of this spider’s bite should not be______ (8. ESTIMATE), and if you live in a temperate climate and have a fireplace in your home, it is advisable to take______ (9. CAUTION). Black widow spiders often inhabit wood piles, so you should wear gloves when handling firewood. Furthermore, since black widow spiders are______ (10. RESIST) to many insecticides, you should regularly clean out likely hiding places.

True relaxation is most certainly not a matter of flopping down in front of the television with a welcome drink. Nor is it about drifting (1)______ an exhausted sleep. Useful though these responses to tension and over-tiredness (2)______ be, we should distinguish between them and conscious relaxation in (3)______ of quality and effect. (4)______ of the level of tiredness, real relaxation is a state of alert yet at the same time passive awareness, in which our bodies are (5)______ rest while our minds are awake.

Moreover, it is as natural for a healthy person to be relaxed when moving as resting. (6)______ relaxed in action means we bring the appropriate energy to everything we do, so as to have a feeling of healthy tiredness by the end of the day, (7)______ than one of exhaustion. Unfortunately, as a result of living in today’s competitive world, we are under constant strain and have difficulty in coping, (8)______ alone nurturing our body’s abilities. What needs to be rediscovered is conscious relaxation. With (9)______ in mind we must apply ourselves to understanding stress and the nature of its causes (10)______ deep-seated.

A recent survey of crime statistics shows that we are all more likely to be burgled now than 20 years ago and the police advise everyone to take a few simple precautions to protect their homes.

The first fact is that burglars and other intruders prefer easy opportunities, like a house which is very obviously empty. This is much less of a challenge than an occupied house, and one which is well-protected. A burglar will wonder if it is worth the bother.

There are some general tips on how to avoid your home becoming another crime statistic. Avoid leaving signs that your house is empty. When you have to go out, leave at least one light on as well as a radio or television, and do not leave any curtains wide open. The sight of your latest music centre or computer is enough to tempt any burglar.

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place. The first place a burglar will look is under the doormat or in a flower pot and even somewhere more 'imaginative' could soon be uncovered by the intruder. It is much safer to leave a key with a neighbour you can trust. But if your house is in a quiet, desolate area be aware that this will be a burglar's dream, so deter any potential criminal from approaching your house by fitting security lights to the outside of your house.

But what could happen if, in spite of the aforementioned precautions, a burglar or intruder has decided to target your home. Windows are usually the first point of entry for many intruders. Downstairs windows provide easy access while upstairs windows can be reached with a ladder or by climbing up the drainpipe. Before going to bed you should double-check that all windows and shutters are locked. No matter how small your windows may be, it is surprising what a narrow gap a determined burglar can manage to get through. For extra security, fit window locks to the inside of the window.

What about entry via doors? Your back door and patio doors, which are easily forced open, should have top quality security locks fitted. Even though this is expensive it will be money well spent. Install a burglar alarm if you can afford it as another line of defence against intruders.

A sobering fact is that not all intruders have to break and enter into a property. Why go to the trouble of breaking in if you can just knock and be invited in? Beware of bogus officials or workmen and, particularly if you are elderly, fit a chain and an eye hole so you can scrutinise callers at your leisure. When you do have callers never let anybody into your home unless you are absolutely sure they are genuine. Ask to see an identity card, for example.

If you are in the frightening position of waking in the middle of the night and think you can hear an intruder, then on no account should you approach the intruder. It is far better to telephone the police and wait for help.