54 Chapter 3

Exercise 14. Read the text and answer the questions about it.

garbage — Synonyms: litter, trash, junk укр. сміття

William Rathje, a professor of anthropology at the University of Tucson, Arizona, has created an entirely new field of science called garbology. He conducted a scientific study of garbage left for collection, inspected and categorized some 120 tons of garbage and has arrived at some interesting conclusions. If you ask professor Rathje about trash, his answers might surprise you. Garbage, he points out, is an unavoidable fact of life, produced by all societies since the dawn of civilization. One of his findings is a real composition of the American waste: not plastic, not glass, not metal — but paper, which makes up more than 40 percent of the volume of waste. Another result is that middle-income families waste more food than lower or upper-income families. Rathje's research also reveals some facts about American habits of consumption. For example, lower-income households tend to throw away hazardous car-care items, middle class households discard paint, furniture, plant fertilizers.

1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

(A) The creation of archaeology

(B) Methods of paper recycling

(C) William Rathje's biography

(D) Results from work in the field of garbology

2. According to the passage, who is William Rathje?

(A) a university student

(B) a sanitation engineer

(C) an anthropology professor

(D) a chemist

3. According to the passage, who wasted more food?

(A) lower-and middle income families

(B) upper-income families

(C) middle-income families

(D) lower-income families

4. It can be inferred from the passage that

(A) problems with garbage appeared only recently

(B) garbage has been produced since ancient times

(C) Americans produce more garbage than other nations

(D) plastic is the most common waste

5. It can be inferred from the passage that the science of garbology is important because it

(A) provides insights into lifestyles of American families

(B) offers work opportunities for students

(C) is the most promising trend in science

(D) studies modern methods of food processing

Exercise 15. Choose the one word or phrase that best keeps the meaning of the original sentence if it is substituted for it.

1. He responded to my suggestion promptly.

(a) agreed

(b) reacted

(c) objected

(d) understood

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2. These two companies are rivals.

(a) innovators

(b) companions

(c) competitors

(d) investors

3. It's a tough problem.

(a) disturbing

(b) enormous

(c) radical

(d) difficult

4. The computer has made a great impact on our lives.

a. decision

b. reaction

c. influence

d. help

5. We are to face these radical changes.

a. drastic

b. minor

c. relevant

d. constant

6. We start off with trends in global communications.

a. tendencies

b. data

c. priorities

d. partnerships

7. It is difficult to predict possible consequences.

a. chances

b. results

c. improvements

d. trends

8. As soon as you arrive home, phone me.

a. after

b. before

c. until

d. unless

9. He seldom comes on time.

a. often

b. always

c. sometimes

d. rarely

10. I hope you will maintain your recent improvement.

a. give up

b. transfer

c. realize

d. keep up

11. The project will become effective in the short run.

a. later

b. in the distant future

c. soon

d. at the moment