In my life, there are three things that stand out, each holding a certain sadness that lingers in the air. First, there is the endless lilac garden, its fragrant blossoms stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a beautiful sight, but the flowers seem to wither too soon, reminding me of how fleeting beauty and life can be. Next, there are the abandoned houses, once filled with love and laughter, now standing empty and silent. Their walls echo with the ghosts of past happiness, but time has taken its toll, leaving only the hollow remnants of what once was. Finally, there are the gardens with crumbling walls, their fences broken and forgotten. What was once a place of growth and life is now slowly being overtaken by neglect, the walls falling apart just as the hopes and dreams they once held have faded away. These things in my life remind me of how everything can decay, how beauty can be lost, and how time, no matter how cherished, ultimately takes everything from us.

IX. Put these words into the correct orders to make meaningful sentences.

1. When / he/ career / begin/ did/ football/ his/in ?

………………………………………………………………………….

2. creative / My / is /  brother. He/ ideas/ lots/ creates/ of.

=> ………………………………………………………………………….

3. lives / very / from / He / far / office . / his

=> ……………………………………………………………………….

4. did / Where / play / you / badminton / yesterday?

=> ………………………………………………………………………....

5. miss/ she/ Did/ yesterday ?/the/ train

=> ………………………………………………………………………....

San Francisco is the fourth biggest city in California and the 13th biggest city in America. It has a population of about 805,000 people. San Francisco has a land area of 46.7 square miles, and it has a density of about 17,000 people per square mile.

San Francisco is a popular tourist spot. Some famous places to visit include The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s' Wharf, and Chinatown. Alcatraz Prison is also one of the city's most popular sights. Many famous films have been made about the criminals who lived in it or tried to escape from it. For people planning on doing many activities in San Francisco, buying a multi-attraction pass is a good idea. Buy a pass for a fixed price and you can visit many different places there.

Tourism is vital for the San Francisco economy. San Francisco, as often shown in movies and popular culture, has made the city famous. San Francisco attracts the third-highest number of foreign tourists of any city in America. Pier 39 near Fisherman's Wharf is the third-most popular tourist attraction in the nation.

San Francisco is also a banking and finance center. It is the home to more than 30 international financial companies. In the world's top producing cities San Francisco is in 18th place, it is 9th in the United States, and 15th place in the top 20 global financial centers.

71. According to the article, which of the following statements is true?

A. San Francisco is the biggest city in America

B. San Francisco is the fourth biggest city in California

C. San Francisco is the fourth biggest city in America

D. San Francisco is the 13th biggest city in California

72. In paragraph 1, “it” refers to:

A. California B. America C. Chinatown D. San Francisco

73. The word “spot” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:

A. shot B. hole C. find D. place

74. According to the article, which place has had many movies made about it?

A. Alcatraz B. Chinatown

C. The Golden Gate Bridge D. Fisherman’s Wharf

75. The word “fixed” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:

A. set B. soft C. lost D. fitted

76. In paragraph 1, “there” refers to:

A. Chinatown B. The Golden Gate Bridge

C. San Francisco D. Alcatraz

77. The word “vital” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:

A. useless B. dangerous C. essential D. lively

78. According to the article, how many international financial companies are located in San Francisco?

A. about 20 B. less than 15 C. more than 30             D. only 9

79. The article is about:

A. San Francisco’s finance and economy

B. San Francisco’s famous places

C. San Francisco’s population and area

D. A, B and C are correct

80. Which is not true about San Francisco

A. San Francisco is the 13th biggest city in California

B. San Francisco’s famous places are The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s' Wharf, Chinatown, and Alcatraz Prison.

C. It is a good idea for people to plan on doing many activities in San Francisco and buy

 a multi-attraction pass .

D.  San Francisco has a density of about 17,000 people per square mile.