Certain birds are, more often than not, considered bad luck, or even a sign of impending death. For example, all over the world, both crows and ravens have some connection to war, and death. In early times, crows and ravens were thought to accompany the gods of war, or be signs of the god’s approaching arrival. This idea later changed. Crows  in particular were thought to be harbingers of ill fortune or, in some cases, guides to the afterlife. Woe be it to the person who saw a single crow or raven flying overhead, for this was most certainly a portent of death in the near future.

Interestingly, though potentially bad luck for people individually, the raven is considered to be  good luck for the crown of England. So much so, in fact, that a “raven master” is, even today, an actual government position in London. He takes care of the ravens there and also clips their wings, ensuring that these birds can never fly far from the seat of the British government. This way, the kingdom will never fall to ill fortune.

Another bird that is thought to play a part in forecasting the fortunes of people is the swallow. Depending on how and when it is seen, the swallow can be a harbinger of either good or ill fortune. Perhaps inspired  the swallow’s red-brown breast, Christian people initially related the swallow to the death of Jesus Christ. Thus, people who saw a swallow fly through their house considered it a portent of death. Later, however, farmers began to consider swallows signs of good fortune. Any barn that has swallows living in it is sure to be blessed in the following year. Farmers also have to beware of killing a swallow; that would be certain to end any good luck they might have had.

Though many people think these superstitions are old wives’ tales, there is actually some evidence to support them. For example, crows and ravens, being scavengers, appear at the aftermath of battles. Thus, large numbers of crows and ravens could be good indications of war in an area. As well, swallows feed on insects that can cause infections in cattle. Thus, a farmer who has many swallows in his barn may actually have healthier animals on his farm. Therefore, the next time you feel inclined to laugh at an old wives’ tale, maybe you  had better find out if there is any truth to it first!.

What is the main idea of this reading?

Đáp án D

Chim nào được xem được xem như là điềm báo vận rủi?

A.con quạ                                                                B. chim én/ nhạn

C.quạ đen                                                                  D. tất cả các loài ở trên.

Dẫn chứng: For example, all over the world, both crows and ravens have some connection to war, and death. Thus, people who saw a swallow fly through their house considered it a portent of death.

Đáp án A

Từ “portent” [ dấu hiệu/ điềm báo] ở đoạn 1 gần nghĩa nhất với

A. dấu hiệu                                                             B. đang đến

C. biểu tượng                                                            D. sự phá hủy

Dẫn chứng: Woe be it to the person who saw a single crow or raven flying overhead, for this was most certainly a portent of death in the near future.

Đáp án B

Điều nào sau không đúng theo như bài đọc?

A. Một số sự mê tín được dựa trên thực tế.

B. Nhìn thấy chim nhạn là dấu hiệu của chiến tranh và cái chết trong tương lai.

C. Quạ đen mang lại vận may cho đất nước Anh.

D. Quạ ăn động vật chết.

Dẫn chứng:

Interestingly, though potentially bad luck for people individually, the raven is considered to be good luck for the crown of England. =>loại C

Depending on how and when it is seen, the swallow can be a harbinger of either good or ill fortune. Perhaps inspired by the swallow‟s red-brown breast, Christian people initially related the swallow to the death of Jesus Christ. Thus, people who saw a swallow fly through their house considered it a portent of death. Later, however, farmers began to consider swallows signs of good fortune. Any barn that has swallows living in it is sure to be blessed in the following year. =>Chọn B

Though many people think these superstitions are old wives’ tales, there is actually some evidence to support them. =>loại A

Đáp án C

Từ “truyện của những người vợ cũ” ở đoạn 4 gần nghĩa nhất với

A. Những câu chuyện được kể bởi các bà vợ trong quá khứ.

B. những niềm tin cũ đã được chứng minh đúng theo khoa học.

C. niềm tin của con người truyền từ thế hệ này sang thế hệ khác mà không có cơ sở khoa học.

D. những câu chuyện cổ tích về những người vợ được truyền miệng từ người này sang người khác.

Dẫn chứng: Though many people think these superstitions are old wives’ tales, there is actually some evidence to support them.

Đáp án D

Một người nông dân có thể cố gắng ngăn chặn vận rủi như thế nào?

A. bắt một con quạ đen                                            B. để cửa sổ mở

C. đuổi theo một con quạ                                          D. tránh làm hại chim én

Dẫn chứng: farmers began to consider swallows signs of good fortune. Any barn that has swallows living in it is sure to be blessed in the following year. Farmers also have to beware of killing a swallow; that would be certain to end any good luck they might have had.

Đáp án B

Chịm én giúp giữ cho gia súc trong chuồng khỏe mạnh hơn bằng cách

A. ăn da bị nhiễm bệnh                                            B. ăn côn trùng

C. hót                                                                         D. làm cho những con quạ vui vẻ hơn

Dẫn chứng: As well, swallows feed on insects that can cause infections in cattle. Thus, a farmer who has many swallows in his barn may actually have healthier animals on his farm.