reading comprehension 1. Culture shock is the mental shock of adjusting to a new country and a new culture that is dramatically different from your own. It largely results from the loss of cultural and behavioral cues. Climate, food, landscapes, people and their ways can all seem strange, disturbing or irritating to one experiencing culture shock. However, remember that such reactions are normal, and should be anticipated. As one becomes adjusted to a new culture and attitudes, he or she will begin to ____________. (a) feel normal again (b) appreciate cultural differences (c) learn more about culture shock (d) occasionally desire a change 2. A recent study finds that listening to music before and after surgery helps patients cope with related stress. Blood pressure levels in patients aged 51 to 87 years rose significantly before surgery, but dropped to normal within five minutes of listening to music of their choice. On the other hand, blood pressure levels in a control group remained high. This is convincing evidence that music has beneficial cardiovascular and cognitive effects and __________________ caused by the stress of surgery. (a) quickly eliminates any pain (b) normalizes high blood pressure (c) even disturbs one's peace of mind (d) further increases blood pressure. 3. Dear Ms. Page: Thank you for your recent order from kitchen Tools. However, we regret that we are unable to send you the merchandise you requested because your Visa card has expired. If ___________, please forward your check or other acceptable form of payment and we will be happy to process your order. Thank you. Fran Daniels (a) you want to cancel the order this time (b) you just paid the amount due as of today (c) you have got a new Visa card issued (d) you still want the Power Blender 4. In this age of diversity-worship, it is considered virtually axiomatic that all cultures are ___________. According to this ethos, Western culture is in no way superior to that of African tribalists of Eskimo seal hunters. There are no objective standards that can be used to evaluate the intellectual stature of different cultures, and rather it is considered important to acknowledge the common value of every culture, In this view, to deny the equality of all cultures is to be guilty of the most heinous of intellectual sins, ethnocentrism. (a) equal (b) different (c) connected (d) discriminating 5. 'The Plan Ahead' offers individuals _________________________. Right now you have the opportunity to be part of a proven, successful, rapidly-growing company. Applying for an available position couldn't be any easier. Review the list of available job opening in the geographical area of your choice. Locate a job listing which matches your interests. Click on the job applications button. Complete our simple job application. Upload your resume, and then click send. If you meet the qualifications for that position, 'The Plan Ahead' will notify you to schedule an interview. It's that easy! (a) a time-saving plan for doing research (b) a lifetime guarantee for insurance coverage (c) a convenient opportunity to enter an exciting career (d) a sure way for relocating to a different area 6. You are cordially invited to attend a ceremony given in honor of Mr. Tom Willard, ____________________ M&G Inc. Mr. Willard has been a dedicated member of the company for almost thirty years, and we will all miss his presence. The ceremony will be held at the Convention Center, on Jan. 15, 2003, at 7 p.m. The company will be presenting Mr. Willard with a gift at that time. A party will follow the ceremony, so be prepared to eat, drink, and dance. We hope you will come and share in this tribute to a fine individual. (a) for his recent appointment at (b) on his twentieth birthday at (c) on his retirement from (d) for his future contribution to 7. William Shakespeare is unequivocally the most famous playwright in the world, but there _________________________. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April (probably April 23) of 1564, shakespeare presumably attended the Stratford grammar school, where he could have acquired a respectable knowledge of Latin. There are legends about Shakespeare's youth but no documented facts. The first rec