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Contents
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PART 1: BASIC COMPREHENSION
1. LISTENING FOR MAIN IDEALS
1.1. Practice with Short Passages
Fresh man (n): a first-year student
xample: I had the same problem last year when I was a freshman
Hold on (v): to wait, to stop
Sociology (n): the study of society and social behavior
xample: I have a sociology class at 2 o’clock. The teacher’s name is James Smith.
1. What is the man’s problem?
→ He cannot find his classroom.
2. How did the man solve his problem?
→ A female student showed him because she was going the same way.
Mathematical Ideas (n): a study in the historical development of mathematical thinking
To be nervous of/about (a): worried about; anxious about
xample: I am going to have mathematical ideas this semester. I am a little bit nervous of that
subject because I am not really good at math.
Thoroughly (ad): completely → thorough (a): cẩn thận, kỹ lưỡng
≠ Though (conjunction, ad, as though: dường như, như thể là)
≠ Throughout (prep, ad): từ đầu đến cuối, khắp
≠ Through (prep): xuyên qua, qua
A grade (n): an academic mark; a score
xample: If you study them thoroughly, you will even not read the textbook. I am bad at math
but I got a good grade.
1. What is the man’s problem?
→ Mathematical ideals is difficult for him.
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3. What does the man have to do to get a good grade?
→ Listen to the lectures carefully and do well on the homework.

1. What are the students talking about?
→ Having tutors for the course.
3. What is the Academic Skills Center?
→ It’s a free service that the school provides to students who need tutoring.
1.2.2. Fundraising
Volunteer (n): someone who does work without being paid for it
xample: You know I do some volunteer works in m free time, don’t you?
Underprivileged (a): deprived; disadvantaged
xample: I do a lot of work with underprivileged children.
Fundraise (v) → fundraiser (n): buổi quyên góp
1. What are the speakers mainly discussing? → Helping children who need help.
2. How does James to want to help children who need help?
→ By running a fundraising campaign.
1.2.3. Course requirement
Requirement (n): something needed; what is necessary → to require
To meet the requirements = To satisfy the needs
xample: There are the four major requirements you have to remember during this course.
Syllabus (n): an outline of topics for course of study
Oral (a): spoken; not written
Summit (v): to give something to somebody; to hand in ≠ to hand out; to turn in
To gain, earn, get = to achieve → achievement (n) = accomplishment
To expel = kick out (v) → 3 late = 1 absence
1. What is the main topic of the lecture?
→ The course requirement for good marks
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3. How can students receive a good grade?
→ Students need to write a course paper about the broad topics discussed in class.
1.2.4. Climatology
Climate (n): the general weather condition
Global (a): relating to all the world; worldwide

Specific (a) detailed and exact
Decade (n) a period ten years
Recommendatio
n
(n) a suggestion that someone should have or use something
because it’s good
To explore (v) to examine thoroughly
Brief (ad
)
shortly; in a concise manner
To disturb (v) to destroy the peace or tranquility of
Nervous (a) sensitive; excitable; timid
Evolution (n) a process to a more advanced stage
Opportunity (n) a time or place favorable for executing a purpose
To combine (v) to mix different elements together
To wrench (v) to pull or twist violently in order to move or remove
To participate (v) to take part in or to join in
Bombardment (n) a strong and continuous bombing attack
Approval (n) A formal or official statement that something is acceptable
To display (v) to put something in a particular place to be seen
1) Let me introduce four major requirements during this course.
2) Let’s talk about tests first.
3) It’s really hard to find the classrooms on this campus.
4) No later than the class session, your topic must be approved by me.
5) On the contrary, global warming, for example, has change a lot in the Artic in
recent years.
6) I am not really good at science.
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2. LISTENING FOR MAIN PURPOSE
2.1. Practice with Short Passage

xample: All army doctors were entitled to attend the new army’s medical school and were
given dignified titles, land grants, and special retirement benefits. Before this,
doctors had a fairly low status.
1. What is the main purpose of the lecture?
→ To illustrate how Roman doctors were in the first century
9. Why did Roman doctors attend the army’s medical school according to the lecture?
→ They were keys to the army
Clarify (v): make clear
Intentional (a): by knowing purpose → to intend (v) → intention (n) → intentionally (ad)
≠ Accidental (a) → accidentally (ad)
On purpose (ad) = by chance (ad): tình cờ
1. What is the main purpose of this talk?
→ To explain handball violations in soccer
10. What will follow this lecture?
→ The role of intentions in handball violations
2.2. Practice with Long Passages
Concerned (a): involved in or affected by
Wink (n): the blink of an eye
Response (n): an answer or reply
xample: Send your outline to him by e-mail. He said e-mail would better for him. And I’m
sure you will get his response very quickly.
1. What is the main purpose of this conversation?
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→ The man wants to know if the teacher can review his outline before the test.
11. Why does the woman think everything will work out just fine?
→ The teacher will look at the man’s outlines before the exam
Equipment (n): the necessary things for an expedition or voyage
In charge of (ad): in control of = be on duty = responsible for
Rapids (n): a part of river where the current is very fast
Paddle (v): to propel a canoe or small sport with short, light oar used without an oarlock

outlines before the exam?
→ It helps students organize their answers well.
2.3. Mini TOEFL iBT
Fencing practice (n): tập kiếm
To catch up on/with (v): học để theo kịp
To do chores (v): làm công việc lặt vặt
Spare time = free time = leisure (n):
1. What is the main purpose of this conversation?
→ To set appointment for fencing practice
15. Which of the following is not true according to the conversation?
→ Peter is not a good friend to Jim.
16. Listen to part of the conversation, and answer the question. “What about Monday?
Monday is not good either. I haven’t studied sociology at all… I have an exam on
Tuesday in the afternoon, so I have to catch up on that. And don’t you have an essay due
in your English class on Tuesday? Oh, I forgot about that. Yeah. Anyways, I am going to
finish that during first period at school. So, what about Tuesday. Uh, I have soccer
practice from 4:00 to 5:30, and after that, I have to do my homework”. Why can’t Peter
practice fencing with Jim on Tuesday.
→ He has an exam, soccer practice, and homework during the day.
2.4. Vocabulary Review
Wound (n
)
any break in the skin or an organ
Argue (v) to debate or discuss
Nourishmen
t
(n) a source of materials to nourish the body
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Instinctive (a) acting or produced without reasoning
Prompt (v) to give an incentive

→ Concentrate on vocabulary, laws, and events.
Tough (a): difficult
Skip (v): to pass from point to point
Foreign language (n): a language not spoken by the indigenous people of a certain place
Fit (v): to provide a place or time for
xample: You are going to skip a foreign language? Why? You are going to forget it if you
stop using the language?
1. Why doesn’t Cindy take Spanish class next semester?
→ Because Mr. Rodriguez is not teaching next semester.
3. Why is Annie convincing Cindy to continue to take Spanish class next semester?
→ Because Cindy might forget Spanish.
Cell division (n): the process by which a cell divides to form two daughter cells
Phase (n): a stage of development
Disappear (v): to vanish
Inward (a): (vào phía bên trong) inner
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→ -ward (a, direction): upward, downward, forward (về phía trước)
Produce (v): to make → Product (n)
xample: Mitosis is a process of a cell division. As a result of cell division, two daughter cells
are produced from a single parent cell… Mitosis includes four phases called
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
1. What is mitosis?
→ Mitosis is a cell division that involves four phases.
4. What happens in prophase?
→ The chromosome duplicate to form chromatids.
Native (a): being such by birth or origin → native language = first language = mother tongue
Mediator (n): (người hòa giải) one that reconciles differences between disputants (người tranh
luận)
Capture (v): to seize
Diplomatic (a): (ngoại giao) involving diplomacy or diplomats

(n)-ize (v): urbanize, modernize, industrialize
Persuade (v): to talk someone into something = to convince
Satisfy with (v):
xample: … thank you, without your help, I probably would have failed this class. You made
economics class so easy and fun for me.
Well, you are the one who tried hard and put in the time and effort. If you weren’t
showing any effort, I probably wouldn’t have helped you.
You encourage me to put in the effort and try my best.
It’s my job to help students learn and succeed in the future.
You are an amazing teacher. I wish you could teach all my classes.
I’m sure you are going to meet tremendously talented and helpful teachers
throughout your school life. Come by whenever you need help.
1. Why is the student grateful to the teacher?
→ The teacher encouraged and helped the student to do well in economics class.
3. What does the teacher believe teachers should do for their students?
→ Help students to learn and succeed in the future.
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3.2.1. Botany
Humidity (n): dampness
Respiration (n): an organism exchanging gases with its environment
Dissolve (v): to cause to pass into a solution
Substance (n): that which has mass and occupied space
xample: Topic’s today is on plants and water. As you all know, water is very important for all
the living things on the Earth. We can’t live without water. So do plants. Water plays
a very important part in the plants.
… I remember learning it in junior high. Isn’t it a process which involves water and
sunlight.
Yes, exactly. Let’s see how much you remember what you were taught in junior
high. Who can tell us about photosynthesis more in detail?
1. What is a process which involves water in plants?

→
6. Listen again to part of the lecture, and answer the question. What did the man mean
when he said this? “”
→
3.4. Vocabulary Review
Convert (v) to persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or
belief
Semester (n) one of two divisions of 15 to 18 weeks each in an academic year
Mediator (n) one that reconciles differences between disputants
Earnestly (ad
)
marked by or showing deep sincerity or seriousness
Term (n) a word or group of words having a particular meaning
Effort (n) the use of physical or mental energy to do something
Identical (a) being the same
Dispose (v) to get rid of; to throw out
Interpret (v) to explain the meaning of
Substance (n) that which has mass and occupies space
Dissolve (v) To be mixed with liquid and disappear or to melt
Hinder (v) To make something difficult to progress
Segregate (v) To keep things physically or spiritually apart from each other
Approximate (a) Not precise but close to something
Penetrate (v) To get into or pass through something
1) Once you get to focus on the vocabulary, laws, and events, it will be more
interesting
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2) As I remember, water is taken up by the roots and travels up to the leaves.
3) I’m used to his teaching style.
4) Depending on the plants, some can store water longer than other.
5) Nothing is ever a dream when you try your best.

really enjoy going to new places”
→ This is his first trip to Yosemite.
8. What does the woman think about Yosemite?
→ It is a great place.
Narrative (a): of, or in the form of, storytelling
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History (n): past events
Personal (a): of a person; individual
So forth (ad) = so on = etc (et-tecera)
xample: Items should include your hobbies, talents, things you like, dislike, your passion,
goals, dreams, and so forth. Please turn in your outline by the next class. The
speeches will begin after you turn in your outline.
1. What did the lecture mean here? “You will provide this class with a general idea of
who you are”
→ You will talk the class about yourself.
9. According to the lecture, when does the speech begin?
→ The week after the outline is due
Ratio (n): one value divided by another
Geometry (n): the pure mathematics of points and lines and curves and surfaces
Approximately (ad): around; about
Appealing (a): attractive; inviting
xample: This ratio has a length to width ratio of approximately 1.618
1. Why did the lecturer say this? “If you are smart and know geometry, you will use the
golden ratio.”
→ Because this ratio is the most appealing and pleasing to the eye
10. According to the lecture, since when have men known about the golden ratio?
→ Since the early Greeks
4.2. Practice with Long Passage
Physics (n): the study of matter
Chemistry (n): the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter

Andante grazioso is known for its main melody.
The third movement is known as the Turkish Rondo because it resemble the sounds
of the Turkish bands
1. What can be inferred from the student’s statement here? “I don’t know that the
Turkish music was that popular back then. Things are sure different from now”
→ Turkish music is not popular now.
3. Which music is being taught in his lesson?
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→ Mozart’s Sonata No.11
4.2.2. History
Objective (n): an aim; a goal
Preserve (v): to continue, keep, or maintain
Advancement (n): a forward step; a development
Suffer (v): to feel pain or distress
Ego (n): an inflated feeling of pride
xample: As the war come close to an end, Confederacy suffered a great deal of economics
difficulties, and its stand on racism, poverty, and dishonesty also suffered.
How was the Union’s condition?
The Union lost many people but since they won the war, their ego and pride were
sometimes viewed conceited.
1. What did the professor mean when he said this? “The Civil War also marked the
beginning of a whole new generation of modern wars”
→ The Civil War introduced new types of war plans, weapons, communications, and
transportation.
2. How did the Civil War involve the public?
→ The public actually saw the War through photographs.
4.3. Mini TOEFL iBT
xample: Hi, I have a few questions about your camp program.
… Would your program suite me?
It is an immediate level camp, so it can be a bit challenging and not too easy.

A conclusion; a judgment
Suffer (v
)
To endure; to feel pain
Damage (v
)
To spoil physically or stop something from working properly
Preserve (v
)
To save or protect something from damage or decay
Join (v
)
To became part of; to take part in
Terrible (a) Awful; dreadful
Contaminate (v
)
to make something dirty or harmful
Corruptive (a) Morally wrong, especially by doing something dishonest
Appealing (a) Attractive; inviting
Prevent (v
)
To stop; to avoid
Individual (n
)
of a person
Objective (n
)
A purpose; a goal
Popular (a) Well liked; admired
Athletic (n Sporty, healthy, and strong

5.1.2. Library
Borrow (v): to obtain or receive something on loan
Creativity (n): having the ability or power to create
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Favorite (a): best liked
Nonfiction (n): prose works other than fiction
xample: Hi, Jennifer, Let’s see what you are borrowing today. Are you sure can finish all
these in time?
Yes, I’m so into my mysteries these days. I can read them all night long. It is so
exciting to image and guess where the story is leading.
… I like mysteries, but I’m more into nonfiction that deals with politics and
business.
That sounds interesting, too!
Yes, it is interesting. Well you know your interests and thoughts change over time. I
might get interesting in mysteries like you some day. We will talk about those books
when I do.
That a wonderful idea. I have always hoped to discuss books with someone.
1. What does the librarian mean when she says this? “I like mysteries, but I’m more into
nonfiction that deals with politics and business.”
→ She likes nonfiction more than fiction.
8. What did the student always want to do with other mystery book readers?
→ She wants to discuss the books.
5.1.3. Fiber
Nutrition (n): a source of nourishment
Essential (a): necessary
Source (a): basis
Relation (n): a logical or natural association between two or more things
Consume (v): to eat
xample: Last week, we talk about food and its relation to health in general. Starting from
today, we will go into more detail. We are going to spend 6 weeks studying food and

Enroll (v): to enter or register in a roll = sign up for
Request (v): to ask for
Easier (a): posing no difficulty
Flexible (a): accommodating
Personality (n): character = trait
xample: Hi, I got my schedule and I found that I was enrolled in the wrong class.
Let me see your schedule, so I can find out what went wrong.
Here we go.
… Let me check. Sometimes I have to switch classes around, but hopefully that’s
not the case for you.