English reading passages (for dtm test takers)

Read the text and answer the questions according to it.

Before money, people bought and sold goods by using animals. But people couldn’t carry animals in a bag so people needed something small. About three thousand years ago, the Chinese used metal coins. The Romans also bought and sold objects with metal coins. In the thirteenth century, the explorer Marco Polo travelled to China. He saw paper money for the first time. A century later, the countries in Europe used paper money too. One reason was that it was good for paying large amounts. Like paper money, cheques were also practical and a bank o f England made the first cheque book in the nineteenth century. Then, in the early nineteen fifties, the USA introduced credit cards or “ plastic money”. Nowadays people can trade with coins, notes or cheques. In addition, they can pay for goods by electronic money.

149. According to the passage, what items were used in trade before inventing money?
A) cheques B) coins
C) papers D) animals
150. According to the passage, when did the countries in Europe begin using paper money?
A) in the thirteenth century
B) three thousand years ago
C) in the nineteen fifties
D) in the fourteenth century
151. According to the passage, where were the first cheque books introduced?
A) in China B) in the UK
C) in Rome D) in the USA
152. According to the passage, what form of money is being used, besides coins, notes or cheques?
A) credit notes
B) some animals
C) electronic money
D) sea shells


Read the text and answer the questions according to it.

A fantastic jo b is offered for people with sweet teeth. The university has just advertised for a

researcher o f chocolate. Chocolate and science lovers can apply to be a researcher and study for a PhD. The researcher will look at what makes chocolate melt and try to stop it from melting in warmer weather. The position is for three and a half years. The researchers must have good maths and science skills. Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, sugar, water, butter oil and fat. But only different oils and fats control how hard or soft chocolate is and when it melts. Chocolate companies spend a lot o f money to get the right balance so that chocolate melts in the mouth. The scientist says the melting is important. It controls how the chocolate spreads and releases flavour onto our tongue.