English reading passages (for dtm test takers)

128. According to the passage, what do the muscles in our body constantly do to keep
us straight?
A) break B) grow
C) slide D) change


Read the text and answer the questions according to it.

Two different types of educational systems developed in ancient Greece. In Sparta, the

government encouraged games, exercises, and athletics. Boys lived in camps and were trained for wars and may not have learnt to read or write, since these were considered not useful for a soldier. But music and dance were regarded as good skills for a military man, and were therefore a part of a Spartan’s education. Girls received similar training to boys, although they didn’t leave home. In contrast to the Spartans’ military skills, the people o f Athens put a stress on education, both in arts and in physical skills. The schools were private but cheap, and even the poorest people could send their children. Athenian girls didn’t attend schools but were taught at home. Boys learned to read and write, to develop an interest in music, poetry, and other arts. Homer’s poems, the Odyssey and Iliad, were taught to all pupils. As soon as the children were able to write, the teacher would dictate passages from Homer poems for the children to write down and memorize.


129. What is the passage mostly about?
A) Girls’ role in early education
B) Education in ancient Greece
C) Physical skills in Athens
D) Spartans’ military skills
130. According to the passage, why did the Spartan boys not learn to read and write?
A) There weren’t educational systems in ancient Greece.
B) These subjects were thought to be not much useful.
C) The government didn’t encourage any education.
D) The Spartan boys had natural abilities to read books.
131. According to the passage, what did the Spartans think about music?
A) Music was considered as a useful skill for them.
B) Music was considered bad for everyone.
C) Music was regarded the same as reading or writing.
D) Music was considered not good for military man.