Give the correct form of the words in brackets to complete the passage.

Three hundred and fifty years before the first men looked down on the amazingly beautiful surface of the moon from close quarters, Galileo’s newly built telescope (1. able) _______ him to look at the edge of the hitherto mysterious sphere. He saw that the (2. apparent) _______ lifeless surface was not divinely smooth and round, but bumpy and imperfect. He realized that although the moon might appear (3. act) ________, resembling a still life painted by the hand of a cosmic (4. art) ______, it was a real world, perhaps not very different from our own. This amounted to a great (5. achieve) ______ hardly to be expected in his day and age, although nowadays his (6. conclude) _______ may appear to some to be trivial and (7. signify) _____.

Not long after Galileo lunar’s observations, the skies which had previously been so (8. elude) _____ revealed more of their extraordinary mysteries. Casting around for further wonders, Galileo focused his lens on the (9. strike) ________ planet of Jupiter. Nestling next to it, he saw four little points of light circling the distant planet. Our moon it appeared, perhaps (10. fortune) ______ in the eyes of those fearful of what the discovery might mean, was not alone!

Galileo’s newly built telescope (1. able) _______ him to look at the edge of the hitherto mysterious sphere.

Sample 1:

Dear Mark,

How are you? I’m going to tell you about the Mid-Autumn Festival. It falls on the 15^th day of the eighth lunar month. During the Mid-Autumn, my family and I often eat moon cakes, pomelos and watch lion dances. Furthermore, I also take part in one of the most interesting activities, which is the lantern parade in mid-autumn night. I like the festival very much because it was funny and meaningful.

I hope one day you can join the festival with us.

Cheers,

Linh

Sample 2:

Dear Mark,

How are you? I'm going to tell you about Tet holiday in Vietnam. It usually takes place between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. One of the most important activities during Tet is the preparation and sharing of special foods. My family often eat banh chung, which are filled with pork and beans and wrapped in banana leaves. During the festival, I often visit my friend’s and relatives’ houses, enjoy some special food, visit pagodas, and receive lucky money. I really love Tet holiday because I can get together with my family and friends after a year of hard work and study, and I’m happy to get dressed up in nice clothes and take a walk in public places.

I hope one day you can join the festival with us.

Cheers,

Sample 3:

Dear Mark,

How are you? I'm going to tell you about Tet holiday in Vietnam, my favourite festival. We often celebrate it once every year on some days from the end of the twelfth lunar month to celebrate an upcoming year. “Banh chung” is the traditional food associated with Tet holiday. I wholeheartedly like the festival due to the fact that at Tet, my family has a chance to reunite and I am given lucky money in red envelopes. 

I hope one day you can join the festival with us.

Cheers,

Sample 4:

Hi Mark,

Christmas is around the corner, and we're getting excited! We celebrate it on December 25^th. Our family enjoys a festive feast with turkey, ham, and lots of cookies. We decorate the house with lights and exchange gifts. I love Christmas because it brings everyone together, and the joy in the air is contagious. Would you like to join in the festivities this year?

Cheers,

Sample 5:

Hi Mark,

We're gearing up for Tet, the Vietnamese New Year! It's usually in late January or early February. Our family enjoys special dishes like banh chung and sticky rice cakes. We exchange lucky money and decorate the house with vibrant flowers. I love Tet because it's a time for family, delicious food, and vibrant traditions. Join us this year if you can!

Best,

Sample 6:

Hi Mark,

The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching! We celebrate it in September or October. Mooncakes are a must-eat during this time, and our family gathers to enjoy them. Lantern parades and watching the full moon are traditional activities. I adore this festival for its family warmth and the beautiful lantern displays. Join us if you'd like to experience this joyful celebration!

Warm regards,

Sample 7:

Dear Mark,

Hope you're doing well! I want to share about the Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished celebration here. It comes around once a year, usually in September or October, to mark the arrival of the full moon. Mooncakes, especially the ones with lotus seed paste, are a festive treat we all enjoy. Lantern parades and gazing at the bright moon are part of our traditions. I love this festival as it brings family together, and the colorful lanterns light up the night.

Hoping you can join the festivities someday!

Warm regards,

Sample 8:

Dear Mark,

How have you been? I wanted to share about Christmas, a festive time that my family loves. We celebrate it on December 25^th each year. Christmas dinner is a big deal, featuring roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and, of course, lots of desserts. We exchange gifts and decorate the house with lights and ornaments. I adore Christmas because it brings joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. I hope one day you can join us for the festivities!

Best,