Reading: Sample analysis — Multiple choice & List selection

1. Mục tiêu buổi học

• Đọc được 1 passage mẫu có cả multiple choice (chọn 1 đáp án) và list selection (chọn 2–3 đáp án)
• Tìm được câu chứa đáp án của từng câu hỏi, đối chiếu từng phương án với passage
• Nhận ra câu hỏi ý chính cả bài thường ở cuối, làm sau khi đọc xong
• Loại trừ được phương án đúng sự thật nhưng không trả lời câu hỏi

2. Passage mẫu

Đọc passage này trước. Câu hỏi ở mục tiếp theo.

A
The modern thesaurus is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking the right word. Unlike a standard dictionary, which explains what words mean, a thesaurus groups words by meaning, listing synonyms and antonyms together. For students learning English, a thesaurus can help avoid repetition in essays and expand productive vocabulary. However, it must be used with care: not all synonyms are truly interchangeable. The word fascinating, for example, appears alongside captivating, enthralling, and riveting in many thesauri, yet each carries a slightly different tone or intensity.

B
The first English thesaurus was compiled by Peter Mark Roget and published in 1852. Roget was a British physician who spent decades organising words into categories rather than in alphabetical order. His aim was to help writers and speakers find the precise term they needed without having to recall it from memory. Roget's Thesaurus became so popular that his surname entered the language as a synonym for the book itself. Today, digital versions of thesauri are embedded in word processors, making it easier than ever to look up alternatives while writing.

C
Using a thesaurus effectively requires understanding not just synonyms but also collocations and word class. A common mistake is to substitute a word without checking whether it fits grammatically or naturally in context. For instance, cease and stop are synonyms, but cease is formal and often intransitive, whereas stop is neutral and can be transitive. Similarly, earn, win, and gain all mean to obtain something, yet each pairs with different nouns: you earn a salary, win a prize, and gain experience. Ignoring these distinctions can lead to awkward or incorrect usage.

D
Another pitfall is confusing homophones and homographs when consulting a thesaurus. Homophones are words that sound identical but differ in spelling and meaning, such as brake (to slow down) and break (to fracture). Homographs, on the other hand, share the same spelling but may have different pronunciations and meanings: lead can mean to guide (/liːd/) or refer to the metal (/led/). A thesaurus groups words by meaning, so it will not alert you if you have selected the wrong homophone or misread a homograph. This makes it essential to double-check entries in a dictionary, especially for learners still building their vocabulary.

E
Despite these challenges, a thesaurus remains one of the most absorbing resources for language learners. It encourages exploration of the rich variety within English and helps writers avoid dull, repetitive prose. Many students find that browsing a thesaurus sparks new ideas or reveals connections between words they had not noticed before. Used alongside a good dictionary, it becomes a powerful companion for anyone aiming to write with clarity and precision.

3. Questions

Questions 1–5
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

1. What is the main difference between a dictionary and a thesaurus?
   A. A dictionary explains what words mean; a thesaurus groups them by meaning.
   B. A dictionary is for advanced learners; a thesaurus is for beginners.
   C. A dictionary includes pronunciation; a thesaurus does not.
   D. A dictionary is printed; a thesaurus is always digital.
2. According to paragraph B, Roget's Thesaurus was created to
   A. replace traditional dictionaries.
   B. help people find the exact word they needed.
   C. teach students how to spell correctly.
   D. organise words by their spelling patterns.
3. In paragraph C, the writer suggests that using a thesaurus without care can result in
   A. learning too many new words at once.
   B. choosing words that do not fit the context.
   C. forgetting the original meaning of a word.
   D. writing sentences that are too formal.
4. The writer mentions homophones and homographs in paragraph D in order to
   A. explain why a thesaurus cannot replace a dictionary.
   B. show that English spelling is inconsistent.
   C. recommend avoiding these words in writing.
   D. illustrate the history of the English language.
5. What is the writer's main point in paragraph E?
   A. A thesaurus is only useful for professional writers.
   B. Students should not rely on a thesaurus alone.
   C. A thesaurus is a valuable tool when used properly.
   D. Browsing a thesaurus is more fun than using a dictionary.

Questions 6–8
Choose THREE letters, A–F.

Which THREE of the following are mentioned in the passage as potential problems when using a thesaurus?

• A. Selecting a synonym that is grammatically incorrect
• B. Spending too much time searching for alternatives
• C. Confusing words that sound the same but have different meanings
• D. Forgetting to check the pronunciation of unfamiliar words
• E. Choosing a word that does not collocate naturally
• F. Relying on outdated print editions instead of digital versions

4. Answer key

5. Phân tích từng câu

Bảng này chỉ cho bạn thấy keyword ở đâu, câu trong passage nói gì, và vì sao các phương án khác sai.