Text Comprehension Exercise

Comprehend the following Texts!

Text 1

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to apply for the position of student assistant that I saw advertised on your website. I am interested in working in the teachers' resource library, or in the accommodation department.

I have recently graduated from the WSB Business School in Warsaw and received high grades in both my English and Business Courses.

Since I was 15 years old I have helped my father to run his small import-export business.

This experience has given me the ability to deal with the needs of all types of people.

I have an outgoing, diligent personality and find that I enjoy the challenges of working in busy environments. In addition, my studies and experience have taught me to be accurate and efficient in organizing my work so I would be a valuable addition to your school.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

Lina Anderson

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Text 2

Dear Mr Thompson,

I recently received a letter from a Mr Robinson, a valued customer of ours. He purchased an Italian coffee table and four French dining-room chairs from us which your company delivered to his residence.

He has written to complain that the purchases arrived damaged. We pride ourselves in the quality of our products and would like an explanation as to how this mishap occurred. Even though the items are insured, our reputation is at stake.

I would be most grateful if you would reply as soon as possible so that this matter can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

Sincerely

Jackie Middleton

Customer Services Manager

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Text 3

Review of Doraemon: Stand By Me

Almost everyone is familiar with this phenomenal cartoons. This Japan film is very successful. Stand By Me: Doraemon, this film was made to celebrate 80 years of Fujiko f. Fujio (RIP), and started playing in cinemas in Japan since August 8, 2014. in December 15, Stand by Me Doraemon movie officially was played in Indonesia. Surely the enthusiastic of Indonesian people is very great to watch this phenomenal movie which is the last episode of Doraemon movie. But is it true that the movie Stand by Me Doraemon is as good as spoken?In a personal point of view, the film Stand by Me Doraemon is a mediocre movie as a 3D animation film in general. Even as the generation of 90s, I was disappointed with this movie. Probably because big name of Doraemon has already been legendary made this film extremely loved by many people.

There are a few things that make the movie Stand by Me Doraemon looks failed. The storyline is not consistent. First, we know that Doraemon is programmed not to return to the future until Nobita finds a happiness, but after a few minutes the story shifts to Doraemon and Nobita get into the legendary drawer to explore the future to help Shizuka in the Ice Moutain and to see Nobita’s wedding ceremony. Second, excessive expression, the vagaries of the ridiculous, a joke which is totally not funny, even seems geek. There are many other 3D animated films which are far better than any point of view such as Wreck It Ralph and Despicable Me.

Discussion text

What is Discussion?

1. 1.      Definition of Discussion

Discussion is a text which present a problematic discourse. This problem will be discussed from different viewpoints. Discussion is commonly found in philosophical, historic, and social text.

1. 2.      Generic Structure of Discussion

• Statement of issue; stating the issue which is to discussed
• List of supporting points; presenting the point in in supporting the presented issue
• List of contrastive point; presenting other points which disagree to the supporting point
• Recommendation; stating the writer’ recommendation of the discourse

1. 3.      Language Feature of Discussion

• Introducing category or generic participant
• Using thinking verb; feel, hope, believe, etc
• Using additive, contrastive, and causal connection; similarly, on the hand, however, etc
• Using modalities; must, should, could, may, etc
• Using adverbial of manner; deliberately, hopefully, etc

1. 4.      Examples and structures of the text

Homework
Issue	I have been wondering if homework is necessary.
Statement of issue and Preview	I think we should have homework because it helps us to learn and revise our work. Homework helps people who aren’t very smart to remember what they have learned. Homework is really good because it helps with our education.
Statement of various viewpoints	But, many times, doing homework is not a great idea. I think we shouldn’t have homework because I like to go out after school to a restaurant or the movies. Sometimes homework is boring and not important. I think homework is bad because I like to play and discuss things with my family.

Example of Discussion Text

1. A.     Example of Discussion Text on Nuclear Power

The Advantage and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is generated by using uranium which is a metal mined in various part of the world. The first large scale of nuclear power station was opened at Calder Hall in Cumbria, England in 1956.

Some military ships and submarines have nuclear power plant for engine. Nuclear power produces around 11% of the world’s energy needed, and produces huge amounts of energy. It cause no pollution as we would get when burning fossil fuels. The advantages of nuclear plant are as follow:

• It costs about the same coal, so it is not expansive to make.
• It does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
• It produces huge amounts of energy from small amount of uranium.
• It produces small amount of waste.
• It is reliable.

On the other hand, nuclear power is very, very dangerous. It must be sealed up and buried for many years to allow the radioactivity to die away. Furthermore, although it is reliable, a lot of money has to be spent on safety because if it does go wrong, a nuclear accident ca be a major accident.

People are increasingly concerned about this matter. In the 1990’s nuclear power was the fastest growing source of power in many parts of the world.

Note on the Generic Structure of Discussion Text

Discussion is a process to find the meet point between two different ideas. It is important to to get the understanding between the two differences. In many social activities, discussion is the effective way to calm down any friction and difference in thought, perception and recommendation.

This example of discussion text present the two poles, between the advantage and disadvantage of using nuclear plant to fulfill the energy needed. It is a case which need to be talked and discussed from two points. They are represented in the generic structure which is used:

Stating the Issue: In the first paragraph, it is stated that using nuclear power can be the choice in fulfilling the needed energy.

Supporting Point: In the second paragraph, it is presented the advantages of nuclear power plant to be used as the source of the world’s energy needed

Contrastive Point: The third paragraph shows the balance. It gives the contradictory idea in using nuclear power plant as the resource of energy.

Recommendation: This text is ended with a similar recommendation on how people should concern in the matter of nuclear energy.

1. B.      Hunting Fox

Foxhunting is a subject that provokes very strong feelings. Many people believe that it is cruel to hunt a fox with dogs and totally agree with its ban.

Many farmer and even conservationists, however, have always argue that the fox is a pest which attacks livestock and must be controlled.

EXERCISE 1

Dialog 1

A : Excuse me. Could you tell me where the public library is, please ?

B : The public library? Let me see. Oh yes, of course i know. It is in Rajawali Road.

A : Is the near here?

B : You just go along this street until you come to the first traffic light. Then turn left.

A : Thank you

1. what information is asked by the person A?

2. what kind information is given by the person B?

3. what are the information given?
Dialog 2

A : Excuse me. Do you know where Mr. Ali's house is?
B : Oh I see. It is next to the market

4. why does the person A say "excuse me"before asking for the information?

5. why does the person "B"say "Oh I see"to the person A? what does it mean?
Dialog 3

A : What's the matter with you?
B : I've got stomachache
A : You should go to the sickbay
B : You are right, but where? Can you tell me where it is?
A : Sure. It's next to the principal's office
B : Thanks

6. what kind of expression is expressed by the person A at "you should go to the library?"

7. what information is given by the person B?

Lisa : Hey, you Kiki. Stop!
Kiki : What happened, Lisa?
Lisa : Did you steal my money? You’re the one to blame!
Kiki : It wasn’t me. I didn’t do that.
Lisa : But everybody in my class said you do that. You have to explain about this!
Kiki : Huh! How dare you’re. I never do that suck things.
Lisa : Yeah, but my friends had seen you out of my classroom. It must be you stealing my money.
Kiki : Prove it, how dare you just accuse and blame me without clear evidence. I will pay your money if you can prove that suck things!
Lisa : Ok, I will prove that!
Kiki : I will wait for that!

8.    What it the expression ?

Dede : Kiki, stop right now?
Kiki : What?
Dede : Did you steal my handphone?
Kiki : No, I do not do that!
Dede : Seriously? But everybody in the class say that must be you! It was your fault Kiki!
Kiki : What? I never do that! Seriously! You’re such as a lier!! I hate you!
Dede : Huh! How could you run away from all this, and pretended not to know!
Kiki : You do not talk nonsense, prove it Dede!!
Dede : Huh! Sure I will.

9.      The above dialog that shows accusing is the word…

10.  Carol       : John, I was talking to the travel agent about where we might be taking our vacation this year.

John       : I am going fishing in Alaska with my friend, Mark.

Carol      : What are you talking about?  You and I have been together for a whole year, and our vacation time should be the two of us!

      John       : Really? Who made that rule up?
Carol      : With that attitude, I don't really think we have much more to discuss here.
John       : .... !

       The suitable expression to complete the dialog is ….

       a.    I’m broke                                              

       b.    I wish I could                        

        c.   I keep my words

       d.    Whatever you say

       e.    I felt so embarrassed

              

11.  At veranda

A: I'm really happy that you come to visit me.
B: You know ... .
A: I feel that too, darling. Tell me what you’ve been up to
B: I’m so sorry, honey. Lately, I've been quite busy. I've just been working a lot.
A: Whatever the reason may be, now I'm glad you visit me.
B: So am I, sweetheart.

       The following expression which belongs to expression of love is ….

a.    I feel very tired

b.    I just want to be alone

c.    I just need you to believe me

d.    I never miss you since I met her

e.    I’ve been missing you like crazy

12.    On the bus

       Liza          : Hey, have you heard the government’s new policy?

       Ryan        : Not yet, what is that about?

       Liza          : You know, the budget for education will be raised up to 20% of the total national budget.

     Ryan        : Really? Sounds great. ... it can help many students from being dropped out because of fund problem.

       Liza          : Yeah. .... .

       The best pairs of utterance to complete the above dialog are ….

       a.    I don’t think – you bet                                                                                        

       b.    I think – I don’t have any idea

       c.    I don’t think – I agree with you

       d.    I personally think – I’m in line with you                                                                         

       e.    I’m surely convinced – I disagree with your opinion

13.    After the school time

       Sydney    :     Would you like to have some ice cream? Let’s go to ‘Boundy’.

      Martha    :     Can you tell me the reason why we should go to that place?

      Sydney    :     Well, it offers the most delicious ice cream in the world with reasonable price.

      Martha    :     And?

       Sydney    :     And you can meet some good-looking guys hanging out there.

       Martha    :     Sorry, I can’t get your idea. I think ‘Cozy’ is much better than ‘Boundy’, you know.

       Syned       :     But, that’s too far from here!

      

 

      The underlined words expresses ….

       a.    embarrassment

       b.    disagreement                                                        

       c.     compliment

       d.    agreement                                                                             

       e.     disbelief

                               

14.    On the telephone

       Victor       :     Victor’s speaking

       Cynthia   :     Hi, Victor, let me tell you something funny happened to me this morning.

      Victor        :     Something funny? Okay, please tell me!

Cynthia   :     You know, I submitted the letter you sent to me a week ago instead of my paper on Mr. Mario’s desk. And the worst thing is that he read it in front of the class.

Victor        :     (laughing) That’s the funniest joke in the world

Cynthia    :     Do you know what I felt at that time? I wished I had never been born.

      

      What can we conclude from Cynthia’s utterance in the dialogue? She is ....

       a.    ashamed because of her mistake.

       b.    disappointed to his boyfriend

      c.    very angry with her teacher

       d.    so sick with her classmates

       e.    so confused to herself

    

15.    Terry                    :      I wish he were not my boyfriend!

      Mother                :      Oh dear, can you tell mom what happened?

       Terry                    :      It’s all about Burt, Mom. He’s got another girlfriend. .... !

       Mother                :      Calm down. You can talk with him about it. Things’ll work out fine.

       Terry                    :      Alright, mom. 

       The best expression to complete the dialog is .... .

       a.    I love him more than anything                                                                                         

       b.    I can’t say my love in words                                                                             

       c.    I love him and I always will

       d.    He’s the best that I have

       e.    He’s only a sort of jerk

16.    Gary               :      Hi, Mike, we're having a party tonight, wanna come join us?  You can bring your girlfriend.

      Mike               :      Well, I'm breaking up with Cathy.

      Gary               :      What happened?  Did you have a fight?

      Mike               :      Just a little quarrel. For me, she's really a very nice girl and now .... .

       Gary               :      Come on, Mike. It can’t be that bad

      

       What would Mike probably say to express his feeling? He would say .... .

      a.    I don’t know how to live my life without her

       b.    I don’t know exactly where she lives

       c.    I don’t know how to call her now

       d.    I don’t care about her at all

       e.    I don’t want to meet her

17.    Sally               :      Bruce, don't you think you should take a vacation?  Even one or two days would be fine.

       Bruce              :      It seems impossible for me. There’s too much work.

       Sally               :      But you look so exhausted.  You need a break!

       Bruce              :      I know.  My chances would be better if they would hire more people. But, the problem is they want to keep the cost down so they don’t want to hire more people.

       Sally               :      They won't hire more people?

       Bruce              :      No, .... .

       Which utterance belongs to the expression of sorrow?

a.    Sadness makes me mad

b.    Calm down, getting angry won’t help

c.    I just cannot believe it happened to me

d.   You’re the one and only love that I have.

e.    I am really overwhelmed with a heavy workload.

18.    At the school canteen

       Martha                  :      So, how is your new roommate?

      Kimberley             :      She really turns me off! She's always making loud noises at midnight and when I remind her, she always makes rude remarks.

      Martha                   :      .... . Why don't you have a heart-to-heart chat with her?

       Kimberley             :      I tried, but it didn't work

      

       The suitable expression to complete the dialog are as the followings, except ….

       a.    Temper, temper!                                                  

       b.    Just be patient!                                                                     

       c.    Take it slow!

       d.    Watch out!

       e.    Relax!

19.  At Daniel’s desk

       Julie                                 : ... ?

       Daniel                             : It looks fine to me. She’s really great in the red dress.

Julie                : Are you kidding? She's behind the times. That style went out last year.

       Daniel             : Oh, come on, as long as it looks good on her. 

       Julie                : Wow, you're really as out-dated as she is. 

       The expression that will be best completed the dialog is .... .

       a.    Excuse me, is this seat vacant?                                                         

       b.    What do you think of her outfit?                                                      

       c.    Hi, Daniel, how’s life getting on?

       d.    What are you going to order, steak?

       e.    How much is the red dress beside the blue one?

20. At Jane’s house

       Mary              :      Jane, I'm very upset about something.  Can I talk with you?  I'd like your opinion.

       Jane                :      What is that about? Oh, is it about Ed?

       Mary              :      Yeah. (Heave a sigh) You know,  Ed is indeed a gentleman.  He has wonderful manners and is respectful of me.  But I'm really bothered by his past!

       Jane                :      His past? What do you mean?

      Mary               :      He used to have a girlfriend and he loved her very much.  He almost married her if it were not for an accident. 

      Jane                        :        Oh, I see.  But why are you so bothered?  That's already a history, isn't it?

      Mary               :      I know, but I just can’t get it off my mind.

       From the dialog above, we can understand that Mary expressed ....

a.      love                                                                         

b.      hate

c.       gratitude                                                                

d.      agreement

e.       compliment