English reading passages (for dtm test takers)

24. According to the passage, which o f the following is TR UE?
A) Cats used mice to keep rats away from grain and other food
B) An ordinary cat can sleep for about 14 hours or more a day
C) The cat has lived with people for less than 1000 years
D) Cats cannot turn their ears in any direction to hear sounds


Read the text and answer the questions according to it.

Many centuries ago, the Sahara was full of trees. As time passed, the land became dry and hot, and trees became rare. But one acacia tree in the Tenere region o f Niger survived longer than the rest. Caravans transporting goods across the vast desert used the tree of Tenere as a mark. This tree was so important for guiding across the sandy landscape that no one dared to cut off its branches for fire. It was the only tree for almost 400 kilometres around. In 1938, French military engineers dug a well near the tree. They discovered water more than 30 metres underground. Unfortunately, one of the military vehicles backed into the tree during the digging operation. The accident damaged one of the tree’s main branches. After World War II, lorries became the main form of transportation for caravans in the area, replacing camels. In 1973, the acacia tree was once again struck by another lorry. This time the tree could not sustain the force. A metal monument now stands where the tree once grew.

25. What happened in the Sahara, as the time

passed?
A) Lorries became popular there.
B) Camels replaced lorries there.
C) Trees died out except one.
D) People stopped traveling there.
26. What happened just before the first accident caused damage to the tree of Tenere?
A) French engineers were digging a well near the tree.
B) People cut off tree branches for fire.
C) The climate in Asia changed.
D) A metal monument was built instead of tree.
27. According to the passage, all o f the statements are FALSE, EXCEPT ... .
A) The same lorry struck the tree twice.
B) People used the tree for guidance
C) Engineers found water far from the tree
D) People cut all tree branches for fire