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500 TESTES

COMENTADOS
INGLÊS
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500 TESTES COMENTADOS - INGLÊS
Conselho Editorial
Iaroslau Sessak Jr.
Adolfo Martins de Oliveira
Marizete Ribeiro Castanheira Martins

Redação
Ricardo Erich Witte

Supervisão Metodológica e Didática


Norma Paixão

Copydesk e Diagramação
Jennifer Rangel de França Souza

Digitação
Jennifer Rangel de França Souza

Revisão Final
Norma Paixão

Dados Internacionais de Catalogação na Publicação (CIP)


(Câmara Brasileira do Livro, SP, Brasil)

500 Testes Comentados - Inglês / redação: Ricardo Erich Witte;


supervisão metodológica e didática: Norma Paixão – São Paulo:
Editora Central de Concursos, 2004.

1. 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês – Concursos – Brasil


I. Witte, Ricardo Erich
II. Paixão, Norma

Índices para catálogo sistemático:


1. Brasil: Concursos Públicos: 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês
2. Brasil: 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês: Concursos Públicos

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R. Barão de Itapetininga, 163/6º andar
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2004
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Índice

Testes ........................................................................ 04
Comentários .............................................................. 46
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 4

Testes
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INGLÊS
WARM-UP (AQUECIMENTO) 5. My boss hates _________ at the office. He wishes
I could stop _________ once and for all.
Antes de apresentar textos de provas oficiais, vamos a) me smoke / to smoke
nos aquecer e checar como está nosso conhecimento b) my smoking / smoking
de gramática. Poucos concursos pedem questões de c) me to smoke / smoke
gramática, porém o conhecimento de pontos d) me smoking / to smoke
gramaticais é essencial para o bom entendimento de e) my smoke / smoking
textos. A série de exercícios que você irá resolver foi
baseada nos pontos gramaticais mais sollicitados em 6. ____________ the television at this time means
provas oficiais. you’ll find ____________ to watch but game shows
and soap operas.
Nas questões a seguir, selecione a alternativa que a) Turning off / anything
preencha, correta e adequadamente, os espaços em b) To turning on / something
branco. c) Turning off / nothing
d) Turn on / anything
1. On October 11, 2001,__________Ronald Reagan e) Turning on / nothing
became ____________ ex-president in U.S. history.
a) 90-year-old / the older 7. _______ house is downtown.
b) 90-years-old / the oldest a) Peter, Mary’s and George’s
c) 90-years-old / the older b) Peter’s, Mary’s and George’s
d) 90-year-old / the oldest c) Peter, Mary and George’s
e) 90-year’s old / the older d) Peter’s, Mary and George

2. In the 60s, America’s radical fear of Communism 8. That car was _________ I’ve ever seen.
got the nation involved in a war in Vietnan, a) the larger
___________ in 1954 _________________ into South b) the largest
Vietnan and the Communist Republic of North c) the most big
Vietnan. d) the smaller
a) that /has divided
b) who / was divided 9. In my opinion, English is one of the ____________
c) which / had been divided language in the world.
d) what / divided a) easiest
e) whom / was being divided b) easier
c) the easiest
3. Margaret Thatcher gave birth to a society of d) harder
celular phone Yuppies, a new class drawn
_____________ a cross section of _______________ 10. ________ he works ________ he gets.
classes, backgrounds and education. a) the most; the most rich
a) from / other b) the more; the rich
b) of / others c) the most; the richest
c) on / another d) the more; the richer
d) in / other
e) to / others 11. If the government wanted to control inflation,
they ________ cut costs.
4. If you ___________ your money in the stock a) must
market last year, you _________________ a lot of b) can
money. c) may
a) have invested / will have made d) should
b) invest / will make
c) invest / will make 12. The director is tired ___________ your mistakes.
d) had invested / would have made a) of correct
e) invested / would make b) of correcting
c) in correcting
6 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

d) to correct d) them - for

13. The passive voice of “Our company exported 21. People should spend their money _________ .
goods to Europe” is: a) carefully
a) Goods were exported to our company by Europe b) careful
b) Goods was exported to Europe by our company c) lonely
c) Goods were exporting to our company by Europe d) careless
d) Goods were exported to Europe by our company
22. So far we have studied a series of prefixes and
14. Give the meaning of the following words: suffixes. Choose the alternative which shows only
“available”, “actual”, “to balance”, “eventually”: suffixes:
a) avaliado, atual, balançar, eventualmente a) DIS, FUL, LESS
b) disponível, real, balançar, eventualmente b) UN, DIS, LESS
c) disponível, atual, equilibrar, eventualmente c) ABLE, LY, FUL
d) viável, real, equilibrar, finalmente d) none of the above

15. What “modal verb” expresses probability? 23. Could you go to the drugstore to buy some
a) must __________ , please?
b) may a) aspirin
c) could b) paper
d) can c) milk

16. What “modal verb” expresses “prohibition” ? 24. _________ is the wastebasket? It’s behind the
a) must desk.
b) can’t a) When
c) mustn’t b) What
d) shouldn’t c) Where

17. Which of the alternatives below expresses como 25. Mr. Silva __________ go to the USA because he
in Portuguese, and has the meaning of na função has a 10-year visa.
de ? a) can
a) like b) should
b) as c) has
c) likely
d) how 26. We’re very busy now. We ________ answer the
phone now.
18. Which are the two words that are used with a) can
“ Present Perfect ” and “ Present Perfect b) can’t
Continuous” which express “an action that started c) should
in the past and still continues up to the present”?
a) since, lately 27. She would like to eat a delicious sandwich. She
b) since, for _________ to buy ham and cheese.
c) since, during a) have
d) lately, recently b) should
c) has
19. The superlative of “bad” is:
a) better than 28. My parents want to travel abroad, so they
b) the best ____________ .
c) the worst a) have to take their passports to the consulate or
d) the baddest embassy.
b) have to talk to the pilot.
20. He spent all night talking to Paul and Mary. He c) have to use the computer to buy the tickets.
was talking to _______ ______ politics and religion.
a) they - on 29. My secretary ____________ reports all day long.
b) them - about a) digit
c) their - about b) types
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c) read 40. There ____ dark clouds in the sky. It _____ rain.
a) is - may
30. ____ letters , reports and memos is a secretary’s b) are - might
task. c) are – can
a) To type
b) To typing 41. The machine should be ________ every week.
c) Typing a) lubricated
b) lubricate
31. We say “goodbye” when we _________ . c) lubricating
a) leave
b) arrive 42. Mike is hungry and thirsty. He ____ to _____
c) go to bed and _______ something.
a) would like - drink - eat
32. ________ day I get up at 7 o’clock. b) wanted - eat - drink
a) All c) want - eat – drink
b) Every
c) Some 43. ________ being rich, he doesn’t buy expensive
things.
33. I take a bus to go _______ the office. a) Despite
a) for b) Due to
b) in c) So that
c) to
TEXTOS
34. Before ________ a book, I read its first chapter.
a) read CUSTOM EXEMPTIONS (TTN 1997)
b) to read
c) reading U.S. residents returning after a stay abroad of at least
48 hours are usually granted customs exemptions of
35. I use a tape recorder to _________ the class. $400 each. The duty-free articles must accompany the
a) Recording traveler at the time of his return be for personal or
b) to record household use, have been acquired as an incident of
c) record his trip, and be properly declared to Customs. No more
than one liter of alcoholic beverages may be included
36. There _______ some electrical problems. We in the $400 exemption.
should fix the machine and check the cables. The exemption for alcoholic beverages is accorded only
a) Are when the returning resident has attained 21 years of
b) Was age at the time of his arrival. One hundred cigars and
c) is 200 cigarettes may be included in either exemption.
Cuban cigars may be included if obtained in Cuba and
37. My father ________ the newspaper last Sunday. all articles acquired there do not exceed $100 in retail
a) buyed value.
b) purchase Most items – including alcoholic beverages, cigars,
c) bought cigarettes and perfume- made in designated Caribbean
and Central American countries may enter the U.S. duty-
38. You teach me English, but I ______ have classes free under the Caribbean Economic Recovery Act.
with another teacher.
a) never 44. According to the text, U.S. residents are normally
b) to given customs exemptions of $400 each when...
c) also a) they do not cross the country’s borders.
b) returning from a trip abroad of at least two days.
39. When I arrive late at work, it is always ____ c) they visit other American states for at least 48 hours.
heavy traffic. d) living abroad for long periods of time.
a) due to e) returning from a lengthy business trip.
b) because
c) in spite of 45. Concerning alcoholic beverages, the text states
that ...
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a) a defined amount is permitted in the $400 exemption. b) certainly guarantee their presence in the free world
b) they are not included in the $400 exemption. market.
c) it is against the American regulations to import any c) be naturally excluded from the free world market
amount of them. d) be naturally incorporated into the free world market.
d) it is forbidden to acquire them abroad. e) face a wider and more effective participation in the
e) it is against the law to import them. free world market.

46. According to the text, U.S. residents ... 49. According to paragraph 4, we might have to
a) are not granted customs exemptions. face ...
b) of any age are allowed to import alcoholic beverages. a) the lack of consistency in the information stored on
c) must import one hundred cigars and 200 cigarettes. the computer files.
d) are entitled to specified customs exemptions. b) the periodical updating of data on files.
e) should buy Cuban cigars but not exceed $100 in c) the incorrect manipulation of microchips.
value. d) the improper use of data contained on computer files.
e) the meticulous manipulation of data held on
THE MICROCHIP REVOLUTION (AFTN 1996) computers files.

The microchip revolution is based on size and cost. DEFICIT SPELLS TROUBLE
Microchips give us computing power in a tiny space.
As the cost of microchips continues to fall, it The US economic expansion, which has already
becomes economically worthwhile to use in more and achieved an unprecedented period of unbroken growth,
more ways. continues to stride ahead. But there could be trouble
We have to accept the microchip, or face the alternative on the way.
of opting out of the free world market. Robert Siddles, head of the US equities at Gartmore,
Accepting the microchip brings benefits and problems. says “There has only been one recession in the last 16
The benefits include greater efficiency in finding and years in the US, where there has been strong growth
using information; the possibility of higher living and unexpected low inflation”.
standards through increased productivity; greater He explains the economic picture has been almost
control over pollution and the use of natural resources; perfect: “Murphy’s law is working in reverse”, Siddles
help for the sick and disabled; and a whole range of says about the US economy. He explains: “If it can go
“smart” machines to inform, entertain and serve us. right, it will go right”.
We can guard against some of the problems. We can, But he is concerned about the level of the current
for example, be alive to the danger of the misuse of account deficit, which is running out at about 5% of the
information held on the computer files. gross domestic product. But Siddles adds: “The
There is the problem of alienation: people who cannot problem with the current account deficit may not be quite
find a place in the technological world of the future. To as bad as it appears. The government is borrowing less
guard against this problem, we need education and and the health of the economy is supporting the deficit”.
training schemes, and machines which are easy to use.
Finally, there’s the problem of people whose skills are 50. Which aspect of the US economy is seen as
made redundant by machines. Again, there’s a need worrying?
for education and retraining. The wealth needed to pay a) Its foreign policy
for schemes like these is more likely to appear if we b) Its present account deficit
use the microchip. c) Its tax regulations
d) Its stock market
47. According to paragraph 1, the economic aspect e) Its present elections
of the microchip revolution: …
a) is one of its two main advantages. 51. The author says that the US economic expansion
b) is not relevant at all. continues to stride ahead, which means it continues
c) shows the constant increase in the of microchips to …
d) is disadvantage in financial terms a) grow
e) reflects its inconsistency b) shrink
c) be analyzed
48. According to paragraph 2, those who do NOT d) affect the world
accept the microchip revolution will … e) dominate
a) be able to participate in the free world market in a
more advantageous way.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 9

52. Paragraph 2 suggests that an expanding 56. According to the text, self-confidence and
economy might be expected to bring … optimism are …
a) recession a) positively affected by exercise.
b) unemployment b) negatively influenced by exercise.
c) inflation c) reduced by regular exercise.
d) surplus workers d) illogical feelings.
e) a trade deficit e) not at all affected by exercise.

53. According to Robert Siddles, the government … 57. The extract …


a) must borrow less money a) persuades readers to lead a sedentary life.
b) has increased interest rates b) also includes the results of a study.
c) should lend more money c) states that our problems are unsolvable.
d) is lending much less d) discourages the practice of physical exercise.
e) is bearing the deficit e) proves that physical exercise increases our blood
pressure.
54. The overall picture the text gives of the US
economy is one of … PHYSICAL FITNESS (AFTN 1996)
a) absolute euphoria
b) dark pessimism Physical fitness can help you live longer, feel healthier
c) galloping inflation and cope with life’s problems. Various activities can help
d) qualified optimism you keep fit: from running marathons to climbing
e) impending recession mountains to lifting heavy weights. For the average non-
sporting person without much time to spare, activities
CAN EXERCISE HELP YOU COPE WITH STRESS? like these are not very practical and , to be frank, they
(TTN 1998) are a waste of time. It is much better in my view to
devote no more than half an hour every other day to do
People most often exercise for purely physical reasons, exercises. The important thing is to stick to a routine so
yet many who exercise report that they “feel good” after that you don’t say to yourself, “I won’t bother today!” or
vigorous exercise. Indeed, regular exercise seems to “I’ll do it later!” . If you haven’t got the will power to
be a powerful antistress activity. Exercise has been establish a routine like this, a sport like tennis or golf
shown in a number of studies to reduce anxiety levels might suit you better. Your partner will help you
and feelings of helplessness, depression and hostility. remember to play regularly and you’ll be able to get you
At the same time, regular exercise seems to stabilize exercise outdoors, too.
personality and to increase self-confidence and Taking exercises can be time-consuming but the feeling
optimism. of being fit and healthy makes up for the few minutes a
Even when exercise is not making you feel more day it takes.
relaxed, it may still be helping you to cope with stress.
A recent study at the Human Performance Laboratory 58. According to paragraph 1, physical fitness ...
in San Francisco compared the effect of stress on two a) is not important.
groups of students. One group had participated in a b) should not be taken into consideration.
14-week aerobic exercise program; the other had not. c) may result in an increase in longevity.
Each group was asked to solve a set of problems, and, d) does not make any difference in terms of health.
because most of the problems were unsolvable, both e) is irrelevant in our everyday routine.
groups became frustrated and showed increased
muscular tension and anxiety levels. However, the 59. In the author’s opinion: …
exercisers displayed fewer of these effects than the non- a) we do not need to exercise every day.
exercisers did, and they showed no increase in blood b) we should devote an hour every day to doing
pressure, which is a key measure of stress response. exercises.
c) we should devote thirty minutes every day to physical
55. The author claims that regular exercise … exercises.
a) should be prevented. d) we need to exercise from Monday to Friday.
b) might be harmful. e) we should exercise at least two hours a day.
c) reduces stress
d) is unhealthy 60. According to the author’s conclusion, the time
e) must be vigorous you spend exercising is ...
a) useless
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b) not worthwhile 64. According to the headline of the text, a tax-free


c) a waste of time zone:
d) worthwhile a) will surely remain untouched
e) too consuming b) may remain forever
c) is going to be implemented
61. Which of the following sentences does NOT d) will not survive for much longer
express what is in the text? e) might soon be devised
a) keeping in shape should be part of our weekly routine.
b) physical exercise should be avoided by those who 65. Concerning the issue of taxing e-commerce, a
do not enjoy it. congressional commission:
c) physical exercise improve our quality. a) was finally able to reach an agreement
d) exercising can relieve many of our daily tensions. b) will soon be settled
e) regular exercise may be time-consuming. c) was not able to reach an agreement
d) may at last come to an agreement
THE INTERNET’S DAYS AS A TAX-FREE ZONE e) is now coming to an agreement
ARE NUMBERED (TRF NOV 2000)
66. When the author states that the sales tax is one
The sales tax, also known as the excise tax, is one of of the most reviled of all levies, he means that it.
the oldest, and therefore one of the most reviled, of all a) is well-accepted by tax-payers
levies. Revolutions and rebellions have been fought over b) has not been legally enforced
it. But the battle today over whether to tax Internet sales, c) is one of the highest of all tariffs
while not violent, is as heated as any. Even Republicans, d) is one of the most unpopular taxes
who almost never disagree about taxes, are at each e) is one of the heaviest interest rates
other’s throats on the issue. Virginia governor Jim
Gilmore opposes new taxes on e-commerce as a way TREASURY ANNOUNCES MAJOR TAX REVISION
to spur the Net, while Utah governor Michael Leavitt (TTN 1997)
thinks online sales must be taxed to keep state and
local governments solvent. A congressional commission The long-anticipated proposal for a simplified U.S. tax
that was supposed to settle the issue ended in deadlock code was announced, Nov. 27, by the Treasury
earlier this year. Secretary. He insisted on the semantic distinction that
Citizens have every right to grouse about the ill effects the plan was the Treasury’s, not the Administration’s.
of sales taxes on Net growth, but the right of In general, the reform plan would reduce taxes on
governments to impose them isn’t in dispute. What’s individual and increase them on corporations. The 16
more, lawmakers don’t have much of a policy reason tax brackets for individual would be replaced by only 3,
not to apply a sales tax to commerce over the Internet. with a maximum rate of 35 percent for those who making
Thus the surprise of the Internet debate: Despite all the more than $38,100 a year. However, many personal
hyperbole pouring out of the mouths of politicians lately, deductions would be eliminated. Republican leaders in
cyberspace almost certainly won’t remain a (nearly) tax- the House predicted that it would be difficult to get the
free zone forever. For now, the federal government has plan through Congress, and that the strong support of
imposed a moratorium on new Internet taxes through the president would be required.
October 2001.
67. According to the text, the proposed U.S. tax code
62. In connection with taxation of e-commerce, the is ...
text does not mention: a) immensely complex
a) Republicans b) over-elaborated
b) unions c) more difficult to understand
c) legislators d) too simple
d) citizens e) easier to understand
e) a congressional commission
68. The proposed plan aims to ...
63. In the present context, levies are: a) increase taxes on individuals.
a) issues b) raise the number of tax brackets.
b) regulations c) increase taxes on the House.
c) technologies d) raise taxes on corporations.
d) policies e) reduce taxes paid by corporations.
e) taxes
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 11

69. The plan mentioned in the text derives 73. According to the text, bank in Argentina are ...
specifically from the U.S. a) more profitable than banks in Brazil.
a) Administration b) cheaper to buy than banks in Brazil.
b) Treasury c) safer places to keep money than banks in Brazil.
c) Congress d) more complex than banks in Brazil.
d) House e) less developed than banks in Brazil.
e) Customs Department
AUDITOR FISCAL DA RECEITA FEDERAL –
70. Concerning the present tax brackets for PROVA 1 – ABRIL/2002
individuals, the text mentions the fact that ... INGLÊS
a) they would not be altered.
b) no change would be implemented. Brazilian rate cut catches markets off guard
c) they would be decreased. The Financial Times February 21 2002
d) no modification would be required.
e) they would have to be increased. Brazil’s central bank surprised financial markets on
Wednesday night with its first interest rate cut in seven
LATIN AMERICAN BANKS (TTN 1997) months, strengthening investor confidence in an
economic rebound this year and easing fears of
In May this, year, three commercial banks in Argentina economic contagion in the region from Argentina.
were sold to European rivals for a total of $1.6 billion. The bank’s monetary policy committee reduced its
This is just one example of a revolution that is taking overnight lending rate (Selic) by 25 basis points to 18.75
place in the financial services industry throughout Latin per cent. It said the reduction was “compatible with the
America. Foreign banks now control around 15% of total convergence of the inflation rate to its target”. The
loans and 16% of total deposits in the six largest Latin government’s year-end inflation target is 5.5 per cent.
American economies. The bank maintained a “neutral bias”, meaning it is
Brazil and Argentina in particular are attracting the unlikely to change rates before its next monthly meeting
attention of foreign banks, but for different reasons. In in March.
the bad old days of hyperinflation, Argentines reacted A typical central bank strategy in past crises in the region
by buying dollars and keeping them in secret places at has been to lift interest rates to attract investment in
home. As a result, the banking system did not develop the fixed rate market. This is what countries did in 1999,
much. In Brazil, on the other hand, people learned to when Brazil was forced to devalue the Real While
live with inflation by indexing prices. The Brazilian banks Wednesday’s rate cut is modest and leaves inflation-
needed sophisticated technology to collect and invest adjusted interest rates above 13 per cent, it could help
money instantaneously. accelerate a recovery in consumer confidence, which
Today, a foreign company that buys a bank in Argentina hás been battered by last year’s power crisis and
can encourage new sectors of the population to open Argentina’s economic turmoil.
bank accounts. In Brazil, foreign investors can develop Lower interest rates, one of the principal demands of
the financial services market for products such as credit Brazil’s business sector, could also increase the
cards, mortgages and consumer loans. popularity of the government ahead of presidential
elections in October. According to the latest consensus
71. According to paragraph 1 of the text, in Latin forecast published by the central bank, the market
America there is a revolution in ... expects interest rates to fall to 17 per cent by year- end
a) growth. and to 14.1 per cent by the end of 2003. According to
b) the size of economies. the same forecast, gross domestic product is expected
c) inflation control. to grow 2.4 per cent this year, up from an estimated 1.7
d) the banking sector. per cent last year.
e) fiscal reform.
74. According to the text, the recent cut in the
72. According to paragraph 2, when inflation was Brazilian interest rate was …
high, people in Brazil and Argentina ... a) a misplaced sign of confidence in the economy.
a) tried to live with sophisticated technology. b) a result of the crisis in Argentina’s economy.
b) changed all their savings into dollars. c) designed to attract investment over seven months.
c) reacted in different ways. d) a sign of confidence in Brazil’s economic recovery.
d) attracted the interest if foreign banks. e) an unexpectedly large cut in a modest interest rate.
e) stayed at home as much as possible.
75. According to the article, in 1999, Brazil …
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a) devalued its currency and raised its interest rates. crisis without cutting essential services or resorting to
b) began to suffer fallout from the crisis in Argentina. fiscal gimmicks that push today’s costs onto future
c) lowered its interest rate on account of devaluation. generations.
d) attracted only a modest rate of foreign investment. In announcing his budget plan last week, Mayor Michael
e) suffered a surprise fall in growth of almost 17%. R. Bloomberg proposed that the city take on even more
debt, $1.5 billion, to help cover a $4.7 billion budget
76. The government expects Brazil’s inflation rate gap. That would mean selling bonds to cover day-to-
to be … day expenses, something the city has not done since
a) 1.7% the fiscal crisis of the 1970’s.
b) 2.4% Mr. Bloomberg acknowledged that doing so was an
c) 5.5% extraordinary step, and all but pleaded with bond-rating
d) 13% agencies to accept the tactic, promising that borrowing
e) 18.75% to reduce coming years’ deficits would not become an
annual tool. The mayor also wants to refinance some
77. The phrase “last year’s power crisis” refers to … debt, to reduce the interest payments over the next
a) domestic political problems in 2001. several years to get through this tough stretch.
b) the effects on the world of the September 11 attacks. Borrowing money can play an important, valued role in
c) regional political problems in South America. government — one accepted by even the most
d) changes in the government in 2001. conservative critics — when it is used to pay for high-
e) the shortage of electricity in Brazil in 2001. cost, long-lasting assets like bridges, railroads and
power plants that would otherwise take decades to buy.
78. The writer comments that the interest rate cut The question, then, is not whether to borrow, but to what
may … degree.
a) be too modest to stimulate real growth in the Brazilian
economy. 79. The text says that, in relation to the level of
b) please business people and gain support for the government debt, most residents of the city an the
government. State are …
c) help Brazil to overcome a forecast of negative GDP a) shocked by it.
growth. b) anxious to settle it.
d) assist the economy to overcome the effect of the c) prepared to repay it.
year’s elections. d) turning a blind eye to it.
e) leave inflation-adjusted interest rates at an extremely e) unaware of it.
low level.
80. According to the text, New York City and New
MOUNTAIN OF 90’S DEBT LOOMS AS CITY AND York State …
STATE FEEL PINCH a) ought to borrow large sums of money to renew their
basic infrastructure.
By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA and JAMES C. b) will need to borrow money to rebuild the economy
McKINLEY Jr. after September 11.
c) may have to borrow new money to cover their large
New Yorkers say their region stands alone in all sorts fiscal deficits.
of ways. But few citizens of this sprawling city and state d) will be obliged to reduce public services to repay their
know it is the undisputed leader in an undesirable arena: massive debts.
government debt. e) are the second and third biggest public debtors in
New York City and New York State are far and away the United States.
the largest debtors in the nation, outside the federal
government. The city has $42 billion in loans 81. In the writers’ view the problem is …
outstanding, and the state has $38 billion. a) not borrowing in itself, but borrowing to cover routine
No one else is even close, the State of California running daily spending.
a distant third, at $25 billion. b) how to sell bonds to finance special new fiscal
Now, as New York navigates the narrow fiscal straits gimmicks.
brought on by recession and the Sept. 11 attack, and c) navigating the fiscal straits to roll debt over for future
surpluses have given way to yawning deficits, those generations.
debts loom larger, fiscal monitors say. The state and d) persuading conservatives that public spending will
city each spend about $4 billion a year on debt promote recovery.
payments, limiting the money available to weather a
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 13

e) rebuilding the city’s damaged infrastructure in the e) punish investors who do not refinance in emergency
aftermath of September 11. situations.

82. Each year, servicing the huge existing debt costs 85. In the case of the Enron company, the two main
the City and the State together around … credit rating agencies …
a) 1.5 billion dollars. a) suddenly changed their estimate, causing severe
b) 4 billion dollars. damage.
c) 4.7 billion dollars. b) caught investors illegally holding investment-grade
d) 8 billion dollars. bonds.
e) 38 billion dollars. c) allowed share prices to rise unreasonably rapidly.
d) were apparently unaware of the company’s severe
83. The expression “to weather” a crisis means … problems.
a) to avoid a crisis. e) belatedly wanted to dominate the sinking business.
b) to survive a crisis.
c) to provoke a crisis. 86. The US company Tyco was adversely affected
d) to intensify a crisis. by …
e) to succumb to a crisis. a) the generalized crisis in the airline industry.
b) a sudden downward revision of its credit rating.
RATING AGENCIES DEFEND THEIR STYLE OF c) a scam involving too high a credit rating.
ANALYSIS—AND HEDGE THEIR BETS d) precipitous conglomeration of the market.
e) an anti-trust investigation of its corporate size.
THE two credit-rating agencies that dominate the
business come in for flak from all sides. Investors caught 87. The correlation between the price of a bond and
holding Enron’s investment-grade bonds as their price its credit rating is …
sank to below that of junk say that Moody’s and Standard a) growing less reliable.
& Poor’s (S&P) are just too slow to spot companies’ b) poor, but improving.
declining financial health. Equally, say others, they are c) strictly accurate.
just too fast when they produce unjustifiably large d) spreading fast.
changes in ratings. Stung by a precipitous downgrade, e) deviously calculable.
Tyco, once a high-flying American conglomerate, has
had to seek an emergency and very costly refinancing, 88. Which of the following is not mentioned in the
punishing investors. text?
The agencies use legions of highly trained analysts with a) The names of the two main credit rating companies.
access to top management. Their meticulous reports b) The need to assess the likelihood of a company’s
giving ratings for corporate bonds are designed to give default.
an accurate picture of the bonds’ riskiness and, c) Reasons for criticizing credit rating companies.
ultimately, the probability of default. Lately, rating d) The sharp decrease in value of Enron shares.
agencies have struggled to keep up; it seems a bond’s e) The exact number of credit ratings analysts at work.
rating tells you ever less about the price that investors
are willing to pay. In 1997 two-thirds of debt rated triple- UNITED STATES MINT (TTN 1998)
B by S&P was priced within 20 basis points (hundredths
of a percentage point) of the average bond with the The United States Mint was created by Act of April 2,
same rating. Since then, the range has widened. Last 1792, which established the national coinage system.
year credit spreads’ standard deviation, a measure of Initially, operations were conducted in Philadelphia, then
dispersion, had risen more than sixfold. the nation’s capital. Supervision of the Mint was a
function of the Secretary of State, but in 1799, it became
84. The task of a credit rating agency is to … an independent agency reporting directly to the
a) downgrade junk bonds as soon as their investors president. The Mint was made a statutory bureau of
spot them. the Treasury Department in 1873 with a director
b) catch failing companies fast and denounce them to appointed by the president to oversee its operations
the public. from headquarters offices in the Treasury Department
c) estimate the level of risk involved in particular in Washington DC.
investments. The Mint manufactures all U.S. coins and distributes
d) calculate the effectiveness of companies’ top them through the Federal Reserve banks and branches.
management The Mint also maintains physical custody of the
14 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

Treasury’s monetary stocks of gold and silver, moving, d) ought to be designed by the Congress
storing and releasing from custody as authorized. e) has been endorsed by the Congress

89. According to the text, the U.S Mint: NEW POLICIES TO FIT THE NEW ECONOMY
a) will soon be created by an Act.
b) has already been created by an Act. Growing Prosperity: The battle for Growth with Equity
c) should be created by an Act. in the 21st Century, written by two liberal economists,
d) has recently been created by an Act. represents a breakthrough in the political debate over
e) was created by an American president. the New Economy. This is the first book that lays out a
progressive economic policy designed to encourage
90. The text does not mention the: technology-driven growth, while ameliorating bad
a) U.S. Mint. consequences such as widening income disparity and
b) treasury’s monetary stocks. excessive dependence on a volatile stock market.
c) storage of gold and silver. According to the authors, Barry Bluestone and Bennett
d) Treasury Department Harrison, Washington policymakers have been
e) Energy Department excessively fixated on low inflation and a balanced
budget. Bluestone and Harrison term this the “Wall
THE BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2000 Street” model of growth. This model, if carried into the
future, will make it difficult to sustain prosperity over
Most analysts believe that the budget for the year 2000 the long run. For one thing, the drive to cut the budget
presented by the government is feasible, but many deficit has constrained spending on research and
points used to design the budget depend on negotiations development, education, and infrastructure. Over time,
with Congress. “If first impressions are confirmed, the they say, this will slow the rate of technological
budget corresponds to reality”, says former Central Bank innovation – the equivalent of eating the seed corn.
President Affonso Celso Pastore. According to the Chief
Economist for Citibank, the budget is feasible but not 94. The authors of the present book emphasise the
easy to accomplish. need to:
Specialists say that the government would have to a) offer higher minimum wages
reduce monthly expenses immediately until the end of b) have stronger trade unions
the year from R$ 3.5 billion to R$ 2.87 billion, which c) keep continuous technological innovation
would correspond to a 20% reduction. “It’s quite a tight d) reduce research on technology
budget”, said former Minister Maílson da Nóbrega. The e) maintain low consumer spending
main problem is that state employees’ salaries have
been raised and an extra R$ 3.1 billion will have to be 95. One aspect which is not approached by
paid next year. Bluestone and Harrison is the:
a) volatile stock market
91. Analysts predict … b) spending on research
a) a considerable surplus for the public sector c) balanced budget
b) a further increase in state employees’ salaries d) tributary reform
c) a huge technological investment e) income disparity
d) a substantial change in the fiscal responsibility law
e) a necessary cut in the public expenditure AFTN 1994 MARÇO

92. According to the text, the state What makes somebody a creative genius? The
employees’salaries … phenomenon of genius has stunned both laymen and
a) must have been reduced scientists for centuries. Analyses of hundreds of history’s
b) must be taken into account greatest thinkers have been undertaken to identify the
c) have undoubtedly been neglected personality traits and life contingencies they shared.
d) represent a 20% cut in the budget These analyses, added to joint efforts in the cognitive
e) have not been negotiated sciences and neurophysiology, have brought together
data, which have shattered the traditional view of genius.
93. In connection to the budget for year 2000, The definition of intelligence has shifted from the
analysts believe that it … traditional, static one - in which intelligence was believed
a) might be achieved to be measurable through IQ tests - to a more flexible
b) will be increased by 20% typology. Several forms of intelligence have been
c) is hardly attainable identified - including musical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic,
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 15

linguistic, logical-mathematical and intra and Of course some women have made it in the computer
interpersonal relationships. age, and a few men still think a ‘hard drive’ means being
Although intelligence fuels genius, the true genius caught in a traffic jam. But a ‘gender gap’ has been
merges disparate ideas of unrelated fields not only to indicated in research about people’s use and
answer old questions but to pose new ones. Childlike expectations of technology. For example, in a recent
enthusiasm, iconoclasm, introversion and synesthesia study, men and women were asked to dream up
- the combination of different modes of perception - have machines of the future. Men typically imagined devices
also been observed to be part of the ingredients of that could help them conquer the universe, whereas
creative genius. women wanted machines that met people’s needs, ‘the
The good news for common mortals is that as research perfect mother’.
on genius progresses, more and more educational Men seem to be seduced by technology itself. They are
programmes have become aware of the need to nurture proud of their PC’s memory storage capacity and speed.
creativity and a more varied array of intellectual abilities Women, on the other hand, are likely to think computers
in schools. This view has fostered the development of were meant to be used like any other domestic
programmes in which the individual needs of every child appliance. Convenience and practicality appeal to
are met. A reaction against specialization also seems women – they don’t really care about how a computer
to be on the way: in the future, students may be works, as long as it does. When it doesn’t, men are
encouraged to ‘have a go’ at different tasks and discover stimulated by the challenge to get the computer working
previously overlooked talents. again. Faced with breakdowns, viruses and other
computer disasters, women are put off trying for hours
96. According to paragraph 1 of the text, the attempt to make it work - they will get their job done some other
to discover what makes a genius … way.
a) is a recent phenomenon
b) depends on IQ tests to reach its conclusions. 99. According to the text, women …
c) is changing dramatically because of new information a) want to understand how computers work.
d) causes disagreements between psychologists and b) don’t want computers in their homes.
neurophysilogists c) often find driving harder than men.
e) is likely to prove impossible d) wish computers to be useful to people.
e) persistently attempt to fix broken computers.
97. According to paragraph 2 of the text, a true
genius … 100. According to the text, men …
a) combines ideas and modes of perception in creative a) are upset about having to drive long hours.
ways. b) are not interested in a computer’s inner workings.
b) is more interested in new problems than in old ones. c) like being defied to make a computer work.
c) acts like a child most of the time. d) are very concerned with a computer’s practicality
d) is not always creative. e) will get things done no matter what
e) normally conforms to accepted social conventions.
101. According to the text, …
98. According to paragraph 3, … a) men and women relate to technology in different
a) the educational programmes mentioned are selecting ways.
the creative students and ignoring the weak ones. b) computers are rapidly invading homes.
b) research on creativity is of interest only to the parents c) people told researchers what they had dreamt at night.
of gifted children. d) computers often break down.
c) the current trend towards specialization is irreversible. e) all women have been unsuccessful in the computer
d) children in the educational programmes mentioned age.
are not forced to march in step with their colleagues. A HISTORY OF TAXATION (AFRF 2000)
e) research on creativity has interfered with the
development of programmes tailored to the individual. During the various reigns of the Egyptian Pharaohs tax
collectors were known as scribes and for one period
AFTN 1994 SETEMBRO they even imposed a tax on the cooking oil consumed
by their citizens.
As computers gradually find their way into homes, one The Athenians imposed a tax referred to as eisphora,
might expect all the household to feel equally at ease which was used to pay for special wartime expenditures.
with technology. The fact, however, seems to be that The Greeks were one of the few societies that were
computer culture is still dominated by men and that able to resend the tax once the emergency was over.
women relate to the chip age in quite a different way.
16 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

When additional resources were gained by the war it is inevitable that the person will suffer a mental
effort, the resources were used to refund the tax. deficiency.
Athenians also imposed a monthly pool tax on Interviewer: Wouldn’t a man who had a large part of
foreigners, people who did not have both an Athenian his brain regenerated lose most of his knowledge and
Mother and Father, which was referred to as metoikion. memory?
In Rome, the earliest taxes were customs duties on Edoardo Boncinelli: Memory is distributed throughout
imports and exports called portoria. the brain. If I destroy a piece of gray matter in a human,
Caesar Augustus was considered by many to be the he probably won’t lose all of his memory. What he loses
most brilliant tax strategist of the Roman Empire. He is a part of the velocity with which he can retrieve his
instituted an inheritance tax to provide retirement funds information. Of course, he won’t reacquire his memories
for the military. The tax was 5% on all inheritances when I put new cells in. But the new implant will assist
except gifts to children and spouses. in the recovery of his memory and in all his other brain
At the time of Christ, Caesar Augustus ruled the Roman functions. What we are really talking about is to be able
Empire, which included large areas of the Middle East. to reverse brain death. At present, when these cells
In Judea, those who collected taxes were unpopular die, there is no way to replace them. An idea I find even
members of society, and it appears that people criticised more intriguing is the possibility to regenerate the spinal
Jesus’ choice of Saint Matthew, one of the members, cord in cases of injury and paralysis.
as one of his disciples.
105. When asked about “ what intelligence is ”,
102. In ancient Egypt, the scribes were … Edoardo Boncinelli states that: …
a) in charge of collecting levies a) genetics probably determines half of it
b) taxes imposed on foreigners b) the place where we live does not influence it
c) responsible for banning the cooking oil tax c) neither environment nor experience influence it
d) citizens who avoided paying levies d) genetics determines it all
e) the most notorious tax strategists e) genetics has absolutely no influence on it

103. The tax referred to as eisphora was … 106. In his second answer, Edoardo Boncinelli
a) Egyptian states that memory: …
b) refundable a) can only be found in one specific area of the brain
c) illegal b) is concentrated in two areas of the brain
d) optional c) memory is spread over many areas of the brain
e) deductible d) has already been found and measured by specialists
e) is located on the left-hand side of the brain
104. The inheritance tax instituted by Caesar
Augustus … 107. According to Edoardo Boncinelli, if new cells
a) resulted from military funds not used in the wars are inserted in the brain in order to replace damaged
b) made him the most hateful strategist of all times ones, the brain’s: …
c) derived from assets left by someone who died a) previous capacity is immediately recovered
d) was 5% imposed on presents to children and spouses b) memory is lost
e) was banned during the reign of Julius Caesar c) storage capacity is transformed
d) memories will remain the same
BREEDING SUPERBRAINS (AFTN 1996) e) functions will be helped

Edoardo Boncinelli directs the molecular biology of MERCOSUR (TTN 1998)


development laboratory at San Raffaele hospital in
Milan. He is being interviewed about his latest discovery: The four Mercosur countries may be steadily stitching
Interviewer: It’s hard to think of intelligence as the their economies together but their putative common
direct result of brain mass. What about the role of market is fraying round the edges. For all the warm talk,
experience ? that was the evidence from their latest presidential
Edoardo Boncinelli: No one knows what intelligence meeting, in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, on
is. In all likelihood, about 50 percent of it will be December 14th and 15th.
determined by genetics, and the other portion In opting to go beyond mere free trade towards a
determined by environment and experience. Genes by customs union, Mercosur’s founders intended the group
themselves cannot determine intelligence. But they can to have a common foreign-trade policy, as the European
determine stupidity. When certain human genes go bad, Union does. That is proving hard to achieve. In 1995,
when the Mercosur four countries began to put in place
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 17

a common external tariff(ranging from zero to 20% with b) The high cost of meals.
an average of 12%), several hundred products were c) The importance of starting a new job.
exempted. Now even more will be. Last month, for d) Illegal transfers.
reasons of their own, Brazil and Argentina agreed to e) Travelling for business reasons.
increase external tariffs by 3%. Paraguay and Uruguay,
more dependent on imports, were unhappy. In 112. The text states that distance and time tests …
Montevideo, they reluctantly agreed to the rise – but a) can be required.
each will be allowed to exempt up to 600 further items b) have to be put off.
from it. c) shall be postponed.
d) will not be requested.
108. According to the text, the four Mercosur e) have to be fulfilled.
countries aimed at …
a) putting into practice an external tariff of 3%. “IN THIS WORLD NOTHING IS CERTAIN BUT
b) adopting distinguishable foreign-trade policies. DEATH AND TAXES”
c) weakening their foreign-trade strategies.
d) following a mutual foreign-trade policy. “In this world nothing is certain but death and
e) immediately adopting a common currency. taxes” Benjamin Franklin, 1789”

109. The text states that Brazil and Argentina At the end of 19th century, the question was how to tax
decided to raise external tariffs by 3% … commerce via the telegraph. At the end of 20th century,
a) to strengthen the economies of Paraguay and the question is how to tax commerce via Internet.
Uruguay. It’s not an idle question. Recent estimates suggest that
b) to answer requests made by Paraguay and Uruguay. business-to-business e-commerce will reach $1,3 trillion
c) because the two are more dependent on imports. by the year 2003.
d) a year ago. Needless to say, governments are concerned to make
e) based on their own needs. sure the anonymity and boundary-less nature of the
Internet doesn’t lead to a reduction in their tax income.
MOVING EXPENSES (TTN 1998)
113. The introductory quotation by Benjamin
Taxpayers who change jobs or are transferred to another Franklin points out that death and taxes …
job location during the year can deduct part of their a) show that there is nothing certain in this world
moving expenses. These expenses include travel and b) prove the uncertainty of life in this world
the cost of moving household goods to their new home. c) may be the only certainties in this world
The cost of meals while moving is no longer deductible. d) represent uncertainties in our present life
To qualify, the move must be a result of changing job e) are the only certainties in this world
locations or starting a new job and must meet distance
and time tests. The new job must be at least 50 miles 114. According to the text, a major concern at the
farther from the former home than was the old job. moment is how …
Employees also must work full time for at least 39 weeks a) exempt companies from paying taxes derived from
during the first 12 months after they arrive in the general e-commerce
area of their new jobs. b) imposes levies on commercial transactions made
Taxpayers no longer have to itemize on Schedule A to through the Internet
deduct moving expenses are now an adjustment to c) audit those companies which sell via the telegraph
income and should instead be reported on page 1, Form d) increase taxation imposed on commerce via
1040. telegraph
e) finance e-commerce via the Internet until it reaches
110. According to the text, … $1,3 trillion
a) all moving expenses are deductible.
b) only moving household goods is deductible. 115. A reduction in government’s tax collection …
c) some moving expenses are deductible. a) could be caused by the basic characteristics of the
d) just travel expenses are deductible. Internet
e) no moving expense is deductible. b) would stabilize the commerce via the Internet
c) will represent a source of concern by the year 2003
111. Which of the options below summarize the d) would generate severe sanctions on e-commerce
content of the text? e) has been studied and negotiated through the Internet
a) Deduction of moving expenses.
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116. Which of the statement below does not reflect 119. De acordo com o texto, o motivo para o
the content of the text? aumento do índice de inflação foi …
a) Anonymity is one the features of the Internet a) o aumento do Produto Interno Bruto.
b) $1,3 trillion is a possible figure concerning e- b) a diminuição das exportações.
commerce in the future c) a queda da taxa de juros.
c) Governments are worried about a decrease in tax- d) a queda das importações.
collection e) a crise energética no Brasil.
d) In the 19th century, levies had not been created yet
e) The absence of frontiers is a reality in the Internet 120. Na frase do 3º parágrafo, (...) as imports should
fall even further (...), o verbo anômalo should indica
117. Taxing e.commerce is … …
a) an irrelevant worry a) um conselho.
b) avoidable in the long run b) uma obrigação.
c) a cause of present concern c) uma exigência.
d) a future tax exemption d) uma possibilidade.
e) disregarded by governments e) uma certeza.

INFLATION TARGET TO RISE 121. Na última frase do 3º parágrafo. (...) The


forecast is for $2 billion surplus by he end of the
Following recent economic shocks, Brazil’s Central year., a palavra surplus significa …
Bank (BC) may revise next year’s inflation target from a) déficit.
3.5% to 3.9%, as measured by the Broad Consumer b) superávit.
Price Index (IPCA). According to the minutes of the c) despesas.
September meeting of the BC’s Monetary Policy d) fluxo de caixa.
Committee (Copom), besides the dollar’s climb since e) dívida.
early this year, the energy crisis, possible hikes in
international oil prices and global tensions have all 122. De acordo com o texto, os maiores “vilões” da
contributed to the upward revision of the inflation inflação deste ano serão, provavelmente, …
forecast. a) os aumentos do preço do petróleo.
While Brazilian exports will undoubtedly be hit by the b) as taxas de serviços administrados pelo governo.
global retraction in trade, the BC is confident that the c) as altas taxas de juros.
trade balance will actually benefit, as imports should d) os preços controlados pelo governo.
fall even further. The forecast is for a $2 billion surplus e) a crise no setor energético.
by the end of the year.
Government-administered prices, however, will probably AS QUESTÕES DE N° 123 A 127 REFEREM-SE AO
be the major villains in this year’s inflation. In 2001, the TEXTO A SEGUIR. PARA AS QUESTÕES DE N° 123
increases have already been adjusted up 11% and, by A 125, HÁ ESPAÇOS EM BRANCO COM A
themselves, will contribute 3,2 percentage points to the INDICAÇÃO DOS NÚMEROS DA QUESTÃO
2001 IPCA figure. CORRESPONDENTE. PARA AS QUESTÕES 126 E
In the case of energy rates, the BC is forecasting 127, PROCEDA DE ACORDO COM O ENUNCIADO.
increases of 20% for both this year and 2002. Also of
concem for Brazil, oil prices are expected to increase After (123) ___________ from Central Mexico only five
by the second quarter of next year when they should years ago, Mario G. has worked for just about every
stabilize. big-name high-tech company in Silicon Valley: Hewlett
Gazeta Mercantil, november, 2001 Packard, Sun Microsystems, Advanced Micro Devices
and Oracle Systems. Windows is his expertise. He
118. Na frase According to the minutes of the washes them. Sometimes for ten or twelve hours a day,
September meeting (…), a palavra minutes significa but never more than forty hours a week - lest his bosses
… be forced to pay him overtime. His wage is $6.20
a) minutos. (124)_____________ hour, before taxes. Every morning
b) minuta. he calls his middleman to find out where he
c) ata. (125)_____________ working and when.
d) relatório. (The Nation)
e) memorando.
123.
a) comes
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 19

b) come 129.
c) to come a) so
d) came b) only
e) coming c) and
d) also
124. e) not
a) every
b) an 130. We can infer from the text that the author is …
c) each a) not American
d) in b) a teacher at a public school.
e) for c) strongly against prayer in public schools.
d) an English politician.
125. e) an American citizen who does not care about political
a) is about to debates.
b) has been
c) will be AN ART TOUR OF THE TACKY (ICMS - SP / 2001)
d) used to
e) so as to be Leave the Louvre behind, avoid the masses at the Met.
Here’s our guide to some truly weird museums. See
126. A melhor tradução para - lest his boss be forced new Jersey trash, Swiss frogs and more.
to pay him overtime – é … By Malcolm Beith
a) de forma que seu patrão não seja forçado a lhe pagar Who says a museum has to be about art? With
hora extra worldwide museum attendance higher in the past
b) a menos que seu patrão lhe pague hora extra. decade than ever, curators are realizing they don’t need
c) pelo menos, assim, força seu patrão a lhe pagar hora a Picasso to bring in the crowds. Mummies, or shoes –
extra. or even bananas – will work just as well. Disappointed
d) desse modo, seu patrão tem que pagar mais por in the “Mona Lisa”? Sample the Jell – O Museum in Le
hora. Roy, New York, is home to a plumbing museum and
e) acho que seu patrão jamais lhe pagou hora extra. Munich displays potatoes. Art snob who announce it all
as “rubbish” would visit the Trash exhibit in Warren
127. them no texto refere-se a … Country, New Jersey- anyway, they often say the same
a) hours. about modem art. Wacky museums appeal because
b) high-tech companies. they “present the world around is ways that are
c) years. unexpected”, says museum designer Karl Katz, the
d) windows. former chair of special projects at New York’s
e) computer companies. Metropolitan Museum. The “stuff’ on display is
secondary. ‘There’d be a bagel museum if I had my
AS QUESTÕES DE N° 128 A 130 REFEREM-SE AO way’, he says. Judging from the competition, he won’t
TEXTO ABAIXO. have to wait long.

When I first came to the United States, I found that the 131. The world Tacky in the title An art tour of the
various political debates in (128) _________ I got tacky, means …
embroiled tended to reach a dead-end. Take prayer in a) finely decorated.
public schools. After a battle had begun around a table, b) beautifully furnished.
I would propose a compromise: Why not divide the c) badly painted.
children, for half an hour daily, into classes based (129) d) of a bad taste.
__________ on age, but on religious denomination? e) sticky.
(The New Republic)
132. According to the text, museums …
128. a) must be about art.
a) what b) need to have a Picasso or a Mona Lisa.
b) that c) can be just about anything.
c) which d) should have odd objects.
d) those e) should be about rubbish.
e) whose
20 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

133. In the sentence (...) Wacky museums appeal 136. De acordo com o texto, nos Estados Unidos,
because they present the world around us (…), as mulheres …
the word Wacky means … a) conseguiram, a partir de 1916, que os homens as
a) Famous. aceitassem como candidatas à presidência da
b) Actual. República.
c) Weird b) conquistaram ganhos substanciais em termos de
d) Marvellous. igualdade social e econômica com relação aos homens.
e) Interesting. c) conquistaram, com o apoio dos homens, ganhos
significativos em termos de igualdade social e
LEIA O TEXTO E ESCOLHA A OPÇÃO CORRETA econômica.
d) foram responsáveis por muitas mudanças sociais
Running is one of the simplest yet most beneficial forms na primeira década deste século.
of exercise. Technique comes naturally, equipment is e) determinam, em muitos casos, quem exercerá
minimal but, more importantly, it’s very good for the funções em nível nacional, estadual e local.
human body.
Americans have raised it to the level of a religion, with 137. Assinale a alternativa correta que contém a
more than 30 million regular runners. Although slower tradução para a seguinte frase do texto…
to take it up, the British have recently started running in “Many others have held important positions in
greater numbers – three million in 1982(2,080 men and national, state and local governments”.
898,00 women). The Central Council for Physical a) Muitas outras candidataram-se a importantes cargos
Recreation say this ‘official’ figure can be multiplied by no governo federal, estadual e municipal.
five. b) Muitas outras ocuparam importantes cargos
There are many claims made about the benefits of governamentais em nível federal, estadual e municipal.
running, but there is no denying that running is good for c) Muitas outras controlaram importantes cargos no
you. It increases fitness and energy, lowers the risk of governo em nível federal, estadual e municipal.
heart disease, releases tension and reduces d) Muitas outras optaram por importantes cargos no
sleeplessness. governo em nível federal, estadual e municipal.
e) Muitas outras têm manipulado importantes posições
134. The writer recommends running as a sport no governo federal, estadual e municipal.
because it:
a) decreases your level of fitness 138. Em termos de opção profissional, o texto
b) improves your general health afirma que a política é …
c) requires a lot of money a) um grande apelo, especialmente para as mulheres
d) reduces the need for sleep que desejem rever as mudanças sociais.
e) raises the risk of heart disease b) especialmente atraente para as mulheres que
objetivaram a revolução social.
135. Escolha a opção correta de acordo com o texto c) particularmente atraente para as mulheres que
da questão 134. ambicionam cargos eletivos.
Compared to the Americans, the British: … d) especialmente interessante para as mulheres que
a) run more slowly. sofrem os efeitos das mudanças sociais.
b) became interested in running later. e) particularmente atraente para as mulheres que
c) practice it as a religious discipline. desejam empreender mudanças sociais.
d) have more women runners.
e) do not run as regularly. AS QUESTÕES DE N° 139 A 142 REFEREM-SE AO
TEXTO ABAIXO. NA QUESTÃO DE N° 139,
AS QUESTÕES DE N°136 A 138 REFEREM-SE AO ESCOLHA A ALTERNATIVA CONTENDO A PALAVRA
TEXTO ABAIXO. QUE COMPLETA O TEXTO.

In the 20th century, women in America have achieved The proposed demolition of 49 large houses in St. Agnes
substantial gains in terms of social and economic Place, Kennington, south London, and Lambeth
equality with men - particularly in the present generation. Borough Council’s plan to turn the site into open spaces,
Politics is especially appealing to women who wish to at a cost of 40,000 pounds (139)__________ yesterday
effect social changes. Since 1916, many have been as a “staggering waste of chronically short housing” by
presidential cabinets officers. Many others have held Lambeth Self Help Group. Under license from the
important positions in national, state and local council it specializes in finding temporary or short-life
governments. housing for the homeless.
(This is America - United States Information Agency - 1990) (The Times)
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 21

139. c) is roaming
a) was described d) have roamed
b) has been described e) would roamed
c) described
d) have described 144.
e) were described a) off
b) in
140. The best translation for staggering in the text c) with
is … d) on
a) desenfreado. e) about
b) surpreendente.
c) rendoso. 145.
d) improdutivo a) wider than
e) hesitante b) width
c) widest
141. A synonim for turn in the text would be … d) the widest
a) translate e) wider
b) move
c) become 146. A synonym for scarcely in the text would be:
d) invert a) namely
e) change b) frequently
c) barely
142. Segundo o texto … d) easily
a) o Lambeth Self Help tem autorização para ajudar e) readily
os sem-teto a encontrar moradia temporária.
b) as 49 casas em Kennington já foram demolidas. 147. We can infer from the text that:
c) após a demolição, o terreno vai custar 40,000 libras. a) the significance of the oceans to travelers has
d) o Lambeth Self Help concorda que a demolição é a changed
melhor solução para o problema da moradia. b) no traveler has ever relied on his faith to navigate
e) o Lambeth Borough Council descreve o problema safely.
da falta de moradia como crônico no sul de Londres. c) the oceans themselves may have shrunk.
d) navigational hazards are on the increase.
AS QUESTÕES DE N° 143 A 147 REFEREM-SE AO e) travelers are still not as safe as they used to be
TEXTO ABAIXO. PARA AS QUESTÕES DE N° 143 A
145, HÁ ESPAÇOS EM BRANCO COM A INDICAÇÃO AS QUESTÕES DE NÚMERO 148 A 150 REFEREM-
DOS NÚMEROS DA QUESTÃO SE AO TEXTO ABAIXO.
CORRESPONDENTE. PARA AS QUESTÕES N° 146
E 147, PROCEDA DE ACORDO COM O ENUNCIADO. Franklin D. Roosevelt blamed the Depression on basic
faults in the American economy and promised a ‘new
For centuries explorers (143)___________ the wide- deal’ for the ‘forgotten man’. He won the 1932
open spaces seeking their fortunes, guided by the stars, presidential election with an unprecedented majority and
primitive instruments and and whatever God they set about remedying the worsening situation with his
happened to believe in. The Atlantic was an endless New Deal in 1993. This was the first administration to
ocean, the Pacific the gateway to the end of the world. introduce government planning into the economy. Over
But what are those oceans now? Scarcely the terror the next two years, millions of unemployed were given
they once were. Definitely not the navigational hazard jobs in public works projects, and emergency relief was
any self -respecting captain need worry provided for others in order to create greater internal
(144)____________. No, the world has shrunk. The demand for American products. Numerous measures
wide open spaces are still there; it is just that they are were also taken to help the farmers, as a result of which
not quite so wide nowadays. Our own perspectives have their incomes more than doubled between 1932 and
become(145) ______________. 1939. The second new Deal (1935-39) aimed at
(Our Environment) providing security against unemployment, illness and
old age, to prevent the terrible hardships of the
143. Depression being repeated.
a) roams (Adaptado de Aspects of Britain and the USA, de C.
b) has to roam. Garwood.)
22 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

148. Franklin D. Roosevelt: disruption only worsens the pain already inflicted on the
a) foi o primeiro presidente americano a ser eleito devido region by the U.S. economic slowdown. Businessmen
aos erros básicos do país. in Tijuana say their sales have dropped by half. Trucking
b) criou um plano econômico que soube tirar proveito firms in Ciudad Juárez say they are losing $100,000 a
das qualidades básicas da economia americana. day. Many local residents are wondering if things will
c) tratou o “homem esquecido” como o grande ever be the same.
responsável pelos erros que levaram a Depressão. (Adaptado de Newsweek, novembro de 2001)
d) venceu as eleições de 1933 com uma quantidade
de votos sem precedentes. 151. De acordo com o texto, …
e) foi o primeiro a empregar um planejamento na a) a cidade mexicana de La Mina hoje está
economia americana. completamente às moscas, devido aos ataques
terroristas aos EUA.
149. O New Deal de Roosevelt: b) os turistas americanos que visitavam Nuevo Laredo
a) privilegiou os fazendeiros que, de 1932 a 1939, faziam de La Mina um dos lugares mais movimentados
duplicaram sua produção. da cidade.
b) criou empregos em projetos públicos que, em dois c) os negócios da cidade mexicana de Nuevo Laredo
anos, duplicaram a renda dos americanos. declinaram em 70 por cento depois dos ataques
c) procurou promover um aumento no consumo terroristas aos EUA.
doméstico da produção americana. d) Nuevo Laredo é responsável pela entrada nos EUA
d) teve sua segunda versão lançada em 1933, o mesmo da metade da exportação mexicana para esse país.
ano em que Roosevelt foi eleito. e) as atividades econômicas estão tendo problemas
e) tentou, em sua segunda versão, contornar os em alguns pontos específicos da fronteira entre EUA e
fracassos da primeira versão. México.

150. A palavra incomes em as a result of which 152. Juan Miguel Anzaldúa …


their incomes, more than doubled between (…), a) lamenta que seus patrões prefiram ficar em suas
poderia ser substituída por: casas no Texas a levar adiante seus negócios no
a) wages. México.
b) productions. b) está preocupado porque já teve que despedir alguns
c) crops. de seus funcionários.
d) gains. c) não sabe por quanto tempo conseguirá manter seus
e) taxes. empregados.
d) recomenda que seus antigos clientes permaneçam
LA MINA em suas casas no Texas enquanto houver a ameaça
de ataques terroristas.
On the sidewalk outside La Mina, the waiters keep a e) diz que a maioria de seus clientes preferiram emigrar
lonely vigil, scanning the horizon for anyone they might para o Texas, deixando seu estabelecimento às
coax inside to buy a drink. U.S. visitors to Mexico used moscas.
to make this bar one of the busiest gathering places in
the border city of Nuevo Laredo. That was before 153. Na região mexicana mencionada pelo texto, …
September 11, 2001. These days La Mina is just about a) a crise econômica dos EUA favoreceu a economia
empty. Business is down 70 percent, says the owner, local.
Juan Miguel Anzaldúa, 48. Most of his regular patrons b) as pessoas ficam se perguntando se é possível que
are staying home in Texas, and Anzaldúa is worried. “I as coisas possam voltar a ser o que eram.
haven’t fired anybody yet”, he says. “But I don’t know c) a desaceleração da economia americana, antes de
how much longer I can avoid it”. 11 de setembro de 2001, favorecia a economia local.
Business are teetering all along the U.S. – Mexico d) muitas cidades estão perdendo 100 mil dólares por
frontier. Employees and consumers used to cross the dia.
border as easily as crossing the street. Now every port e) as transportadoras tiveram seu movimento reduzido
of entry in both directions is on a maximum alert. Cops pela metade.
and Customs officials from Tijuana to Matamoros have
tightened security. At some checkpoints the new VOCABULARY APPROACH
procedures are forcing drivers to wait three hours or
more to cross. In Nuevo Laredo, the gateway for 40 Vamos aqui dar uma pausa e abordar uma importante
percent of Mexico’s exports to the U.S., officials say parte na preparação para provas de concursos públicos.
the volume of traffic has shrunk 35 percent. The
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 23

As provas de inglês se caracterizam pelo vasto 195. LEVER = _______________________________


vocabulário não convencional que é apresentado. O 196. LEVEL = ________________________________
vocabulário é considerado não convencional porque 197. TO RESEARCH = _________________________
raramente pessoas que estudam inglês se deparam 198. TO SEARCH = ___________________________
com expressões do tipo “viés de alta”, “viés de baixa”, 199. EMPLOYEE = ___________________________
pontos percentuais etc. É um vocabulário técnico. A 200. EMPLOYER = ___________________________
seguir haverá uma lista de 200 palavras que você deve 201. (TO) EMPLOY = _________________________
saber para fazer uma boa prova. Complete a lista e 202. EMPLOYMENT = ________________________
confira no gabarito. 203. EVERY DAY = ___________________________
Até o item 260 você terá uma série de palavras que 204. EVERY OTHER DAY = ____________________
são facilmente confundidas (quase todas já apareceram 205. TO AFFECT = ___________________________
em provas anteriores). A partir daí serão apresentadas 206. TO EFFECT = ___________________________
palavras que apareceram em concursos diversos. Boa 207. BOUGHT = _____________________________
sorte! 208. BOTH =_________________________________
209. BEEN = ________________________________
154. THOUGH = _____________________________ 210. BEING = ________________________________
155. ALTHOUGH = __________________________ 211. PLANE = _______________________________
156. THOUGHT = ____________________________ 212. PLAN = ________________________________
157. THROUGH = ___________________________ 213. TAXES = _______________________________
158. THOROUGH = __________________________ 214. TAXIS = ________________________________
159. THROUGHOUT = ________________________ 215. (TO) BUY = _____________________________
160. DEVELOPED = _________________________ 216. BY = ___________________________________
161. DEVELOPING = _________________________ 217. TO LEND = _____________________________
162. WORD = _______________________________ 218. TO RENT = _____________________________
163. WORLD = ______________________________ 219. LENT = ________________________________
164. TO CHANGE = ___________________________ 220. THAN = ________________________________
165. TO CHARGE __ __________________________ 221. THEN = ________________________________
166. TO EXCHANGE = ________________________ 222. THEM = ________________________________
167. EVEN = ________________________________ 223. MUST = ________________________________
168. EVER = ________________________________ 224. MOST = ________________________________
169. WHEREAS = ____________________________ 225. TO PLAY = ______________________________
170. WHETHER = ____________________________ 226. TO PRAY = _____________________________
171. (TO) WEATHER = ________________________ 227. TO PAY = _______________________________
172. WEATHER = ____________________________ 228. ON THE ONE HAND = ____________________
173. AT LEAST = _____________________________ 229. ON THE OTHER HAND = __________________
174. AT LAST = ______________________________ 230. IF = ____________________________________
175. POLITICAL = ____________________________ 231. OF = ___________________________________
176. POLITICIAN = ___________________________ 232. OFF = __________________________________
177. POLITICS = ______________________________ 233. ON TIME = ______________________________
178. POLICE = _______________________________ 234. IN TIME = _______________________________
179. POLICY = _______________________________ 235. AT TIMES = _____________________________
180. TO LIVE = _______________________________ 236. EXPENSE = _____________________________
181. TO LEAVE = _____________________________ 237. EXPENSIVE = ___________________________
182. LEVY = _________________________________ 238. EXPENDITURE = ________________________
183. TO HEAT = ______________________________ 239. FORMER = _____________________________
184. TO HIT = ________________________________ 240. FARMER = ______________________________
185. MONTH = _______________________________ 241. MAIN = _________________________________
186. MOUTH = _______________________________ 242. MAN = _________________________________
187. MONTHLY = ____________________________ 243. MEN = _________________________________
188. WON´T = _______________________________ 244. THESE = _______________________________
189. WANT = ________________________________ 245. THERE = _______________________________
190. WENT = _______________________________ 246. TREAUSRE = ___________________________
191. (TO) HAVE = ____________________________ 247. TREASURY = ____________________________
192. HEAVY = _______________________________ 248. WERE = ________________________________
193. TO OWN = ______________________________ 249. WHERE = _______________________________
194. TO OWE = ______________________________ 250. CUSTOMS = ____________________________
24 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

251. CUSTOMER = ___________________________ 307. TO TIGHTEN = __________________________


252. FEW = _________________________________ 308. YET = __________________________________
253. A FEW = _______________________________ 309. EVEN THOUGH = ________________________
254. LATE = _________________________________ 310. TO CEASE = ____________________________
255. LATEST = ______________________________ 311. BACKWATER = __________________________
256. LATER = ________________________________ 312. TO CHANGE = __________________________
257. LAST = _________________________________ 313. CUSTOMS = ____________________________
258. (TO) LAST = ____________________________ 314. FURTHER = _____________________________
259. TEXT = _________________________________ 315. TO DELIVER = __________________________
260. TEST = _________________________________ 316. TO RESIGN = ___________________________
261. EASING BIAS = __________________________ 317. FORMER = _____________________________
262. TO SPUR = _____________________________ 318. BEGINNING = ___________________________
263. TO LADLE OUT = ________________________ 319. TREND = _______________________________
264. TO SHOWER = __________________________ 320. AHEAD = _______________________________
265. BUDGET = ______________________________ 321. SECRECY LAWS = _______________________
266. TIGHT-FISTED = _________________________ 322. UNPAID = ______________________________
267. TO LOOM = _____________________________ 323. REPORTEDLY = _________________________
268. RATING AGENCY = ______________________ 324. UNPAID = _______________________________
269. ROLE = ________________________________ 325. DESPITE (IN SPITE OF) = _________________
270. TO DEVALUE = __________________________ 326. EVEN = ________________________________
271. CURRENCY = ___________________________ 327. LEFTWING = ____________________________
272. POWER = ______________________________ 328. RIGHTWING = ___________________________
273. TOUGH STRETCH = ______________________ 329. TO SPREAD = ___________________________
274. FORECAST = ___________________________ 330. TAX BURDEN = __________________________
275. CUT = _________________________________ 331. TURMOIL = _____________________________
276. TO LIFT = ______________________________ 332. TO SPREAD = ___________________________
277. TO INCREASE = _________________________ 333. TO POUR = _____________________________
278. TO RAISE = _____________________________ 334. TO VOW = ______________________________
279. TO RISE – ROSE – RISEN = _______________ 335. SPENDING = ____________________________
280. TO DECREASE = ________________________ 336. HIGH-COST = ___________________________
281. TO DROP = _____________________________ 337. LONG-LASTING = _______________________
282. TO JEOPARDIZE = _______________________ 338. ALL BUT = ______________________________
283. PROFIT = _______________________________ 339. YAWNING = _____________________________
284. TO STEER = ____________________________ 340. GOODS = _______________________________
285. TARGET = ______________________________ 341. AVERAGE = _____________________________
286. YEAR-END = ____________________________ 342. PROCEDURES = _________________________
287. REVENUE = _____________________________ 343. TO ALLOW = ____________________________
288. INCOME TAX = __________________________ 344. THUS = _________________________________
289. TAX INCOME = __________________________ 345. SUCH AS = ______________________________
290. KEY = _________________________________ 346. COSTLY = ______________________________
291. TO BORROW = __________________________ 347. HARROWING = __________________________
292. TO LEND – LENT – LENT = ________________ 348. THRIVING = _____________________________
293. TO RELEASE = _________________________ 349. TO TAKE PLACE = _______________________
294. TO REMAIN = ___________________________ 350. TO FEAR = _____________________________
295. ON THE WAY = __________________________ 351. TO AVOID = _____________________________
296. SHORTAGE = ___________________________ 352. PROBE = _______________________________
297. DRAMMATICALLT = _____________________ 353. REBOUND = ____________________________
298. SURPLUS = ____________________________
299. TO IMPROVE = _________________________ THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (FISCAL
300. EFFECTIVE = ___________________________ DO TRABALHO 1998)
301. DISMAL = ______________________________
302. SHIFT = ________________________________ Is the body that wiped out smallpox and has done so
303. NO LONGER = __________________________ much to promote mass vaccination losing its way? In
304. TO LEAD – LED – LED = __________________ recent weeks the reputation of the World Health
305. LAYOFFF = _____________________________ Organisation (WHO) has suffered a number of blows,
306. TO ACHIEVE = __________________________ as critics have accused it of bowing to political pressures
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 25

rather than publishing unpalatable research findings. NEW WAYS TO WORK


One instance emerged last week. A controversial new (FISCAL DO TRABALHO 1998)
study which looked for links between lung cancer and
passive smoking found that non-smokers married to or Six-month long vacations? Factories and offices
growing up with smokers were not at significantly more designed by employees themselves? There are just a
risk from lung cancer than anyone else. The research few of the innovations now being tried by business firms
commissioned by the WHO and coordinated by Rodolfo in Europe and the United States to combat the
Saracci of the WHO’s International Agency for increasing dissatisfaction of employees at every level
International Agency for Research on Cancer, involved with the quality of their working lives, despite higher
a long study. Since it was one of the biggest single salaries, more attractive fringe benefits, and
pieces of research conducted into the issue, its results improvements in on-the-job safety and comfort. In
were eagerly awaited by the medical world and lobby addition to the widely reported boredom of the assembly
groups. But instead of being released with a fanfare, line, a growing number of white-collar workers see
they were summarized in three short paragraphs and themselves as conscripted into a slave army of paper
buried in a bulky WHO internal document. pusher. Such long-sought benefits as the five-day, forty-
(adapted from “The Economist”, March 98) hour, the fixed vacation, and the standard length of
service pay rise are no longer enough to compensate
354. Which of the statements below is confirmed many industrial and office workers for the drabness,
by the text? lack of recognition, impersonality and apparent
a) passive smoking is the main cause of cancer. pointlessness of their jobs.
b) the WHO is yielding to political pressures. (adapted from the book “Words you Need” )
c) non-smokers must not work with smokers.
d) smoking is being abolished by the WHO. 359. A few innovations are being tried in Europe
and the USA in order to …
355. The results of the research in case were … a) increase dissatisfaction of employees.
a) summarized by the medical society. b) demotivate unqualified employees.
b) only published in an internal document. c) combat over-qualified employees.
c) ignored by the lobby groups. d) avoid high productivity.
d) published in full details. fe) ight dissatisfaction of employees.
e) the most important medical findings ever.
360. The text states that higher salaries …
356. According to the text, the World Health a) solve the problem of dissatisfaction.
Organization (WHO) has … b) result in job dissatisfaction.
a) eradicated smallpox. c) provoke the problem of job dissatisfaction.
b) created mass vaccination. d) do not always solve the problem of dissatisfaction.
c) eradicated countless diseases. e) contribute to the problem of job dissatisfaction.
d) wiped out aids.
e) eradicated measles. 361. The white-collar workers find their jobs …
a) rewarding
357. The text states that in recent weeks, the b) exciting
reputation of the WHO has been … c) motivating
a) internationally recognized. d) restricted
b) heavily criticized. e) underpaid
c) attacked by Rodolfo Saracci.
d) recognized by the medical society. 362. According to the author, lack of recognition …
e) eradicated by influential politicians. a) motivates the employee’s professional growth.
b) is the only reason for professional dissatisfaction.
358. According to the text, political pressures … c) enables the employee to produce even more.
a) have been influencing the WHO. d) surely improves the employee’s performance.
b) must at last influence the WHO. e) is one of the reasons for professional dissatisfaction.
c) are welcome within the medical world.
d) improve the quality of medical surveys. 363. According to text, improvements in on-the-job
e) contribute to the good reputation of the WHO. safety and comfort have …
a) been implemented by labor officials.
b) somehow reduced job satisfaction.
c) not been sufficient to increase job satisfaction.
26 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

d) resulted in higher levels of productivity.. “The markets are excited and believe Putin can bring
e) played an essential role in the employee’s motivation. about changes, which can make Russia’s economy
function properly.”
A NEW BUDGET SYSTEM The ASP General, the stock market index in Russia,
grew by 350% last year.
In 1989, the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre came up with “We will see the stabilization of the financial situation in
a radical solution to its major problems of Russia, which has had a problem with tax collection,
unaccountability and extreme poverty: a participative but this will improve and lead to a reduction in interest
budget. For the last decade, the people of the city have rates, which were at 50% at the beginning of 2000. If
been deciding how the budget for public works should inflation comes down to 25%, interest rates will come
be allocated. Neighbourhood groups propose projects, down to 15% within the next six months.
and people from community groups and non-profit
organisations who have been electted by their 367. What does the verb close mean concerning the
neighbours, decide which projects will go ahead. budget deficit?
In some cases, the community delegates also oversee a) Increasing it.
implementation of the final projects. This has had the b) Bringing it to an end.
triple result of avoiding corruption and mishandling c) Financing it.
funds, improving concrete matters on the ground, and d) Rolling it over.
increasing democratic participation in the process by a e) Forgiving it.
huge amount.
368. Translate the following sentence into
364. According to the text, Porto Alegre’s budget Portuguese.
system is … “The stockmarket index in Russia grew by 350%
a) globalized last year.”
b) conservative a) O índice da bolsa da Rússia crescerá em 350% no
c) innovative próximo ano.”
d) traditonal b) O índice da bolsa da Rússia cresce em 350% a cada
e) governamental ano.”
c) O índice da bolsa da Rússia cresceu em 350% no
365. According to the author, the community ano passado.”
delegates … d) O índice da bolsa da Rússia excedeu os 350% no
a) have devised a new budget system. ano passado.”
b) may supervise the execution of final projects. e) O índice da bolsa da Rússia diminui 350% no ano
c) cannot decide how to allocate the city’s budget. passado.”
d) are in charge of implementing final projects.
e) steer the country’s budget system. 369. Which aspect of the Russian economy is not
mentioned in the text?
366). The participative budget … a) Taxes.
a) concerns the allocation of funds. b) Interest rates.
b) prevents democratic participation. c) Stockmarket index.
c) tends to increase levels of taxation. d) Budget deficit.
d) reflects governmental decisions. e) Mergers.
e) has increased corruption levels
370. According to the text, Boris Yeltsin …
RUSSIA’S PROMISING FUTURE (Inspetor CVM a) became too ill to go on ruling Russia.
2001) b) was suddenly overthrown by Vladimir Putin.
c) intervened swiftly in the Russian economy.
Major political developments have been taking place in d) was interviewed by a former KGB agent.
Russia since the early resignation of President Boris e) was replaced as leader by Vladimir Putin.
Yeltsin.
Andrew Hunt, economist at Dresdner RCM, says the 371. “Putin can bring about changes.
present leader Putin – a former KGB agent – is seen as Concerning the change, the underlined phrasal verb
someone who can get taxes collected and close the means:
budget deficit. a) Extend it.
b) Forbid it.
c) Control it.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 27

d) Cause it to happen. the economy, MERCOSUR has allowed Argentina to


e) Postpone it. raise tariffs on consumer goods, in some cases up to
35 percent, while eliminating tariffs on capital goods.
THE POLITICS OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM Argentina maintains some non-tariff barriers, such as
quotas on automobiles.
Most countries of Latin America stabilized and opened According to the U.S. Department of State, “Customs
their economies in the first generation of market oriented procedures are opaque and time-consuming, thus
reforms in the 1980s and early 1990s. Now they face a raising the cost for importers”.
much more costly and protracted task of rebuilding state
capacity to deliver social services regulate the economy, 374. According to the text, Argentina …
avoid recurrent fiscal crises, and improve the overall a) intends to become a member of theMERCOSUR.
functioning of government. Why have some countries b) has exempted Brazil from paying tariffs on itsgoods.
progressed further on administrative reform than other c) might soon implement some aggressivemarket
countries? reforms.
Administrative reform usually starts with small groups d) has been given a lower score in relation to itstrade
of reformers within the executive branch. policy.
Among factors that facilitate reform are: balance of e) has kept low trade barriers with the American
payments and fiscal crises, middle class and rural countries.
support, and the effective packaging of reform initiatives.
Contrary to much of the literature, the nature of the party 375. Argentina’s customs procedures are
system (cohesion, discipline and parity) does not explain considered by the U.S. Department of State as …
much of the variation in reform experiences. a) sluggish and transparent.
b) transparent, but obsolete.
372. The author states that … c) obscure and sluggish.
a) Latin American countries have restructured their d) innovative, but time-consuming.
economies. e) both well-defined and efficient.
b) North American countries were poised to perform
administrative changes. 376. In the main, the text deals with …
c) South American countries have been able to stabilize a) Argentina’s wages and prices.
their economies. b) Argentina’s trade policy.
d) Not all the Latin American economies have become c) Paraguay’s high fiscal deficit.
stable. d) Brazil’s financial institutions.
e) Latin American economies have surpassed market e) Brazil’s regulation score.
leaders.
As questões 377 a 378 referem-se ao texto a seguir.
373. According to the text, reform experiences
consist of … Take a tiny, open ex-peasant economy. Place it next
a) predictable standards. door to a much larger one, from which it broke away
b) known trends. with great bitterness barely a lifetime ago. Infuse it with
c) technological trends. a passionate desire to enjoy the same lifestyle of its
d) unsurmountable obstacles. former masters, but without the same industrial heritage
e) different qualities. or natural resources. Inevitable result: extravagance,
frustration, debt. Ireland today is bravely facing up to
HIGH LEVEL OF PROTECTIONISM (AFRF 2002) the consequence of a decade of borrowing to pay for
better public services than its wealth justified. Its citizens,
As a member of the Southern Cone Common Market many of whom have already endured six years of
(MERCOSUR), Argentina maintains relatively low trade stagnant real incomes, are just beginning to come to
barriers with Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay but applies terms with the extent to which the country has to change,
a high tariff on all goods and services coming into if long-term growth to be secured.
Argentina from countries outside MERCOSUR. This Ireland is easily the poorest country in rich north-west
year, the common external tariff rate for MERCOSUR Europe. Its gross domestic product is a mere 64% of
is 13.5 percent. Because the common external tariff the European Community average. Yet in the middle
rate is applied to most of the world’s countries, 1970s it set out to build a welfare state as generous as
Argentina’s average tariff rate is 13.5 percent this year, Britain’s.
up from 7.5 percent last year. As a result, its trade policy (The Economist)
score is 1 point worse this year. In an effort to stimulate
28 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

377. According to the text, … e) Is one of the world leaders in the implementation of
a) Ireland is relatively independent from a larger next deep-water technology.
door economy.
b) Ireland’s desire for a richer lifestyle was responsible 380. According to text LI-I, evaluate the items below.
for the country’s current economic boom. I- In 1997, only sixteen nations produced more than
c) Ireland’s current problems actually began in the mid- 1.000.000 oil barrels a day.
1970s. II- In 1997, PETROBRAS increasead its oil
d) Ireland’s economy is still exclusively peasant. production.
e) Ireland has an industrial heritage which depends on III- All PETROBRAS units are found out of the
the country’s natural resources. national territory.
IV- PETROBRAS success is doubtful.
378. Segundo o texto, a Irlanda … V- The number of PETROBRAS’S oil tankers exceds
a) é o país mais pobre do norte da Europa. that of any other company in the world.
b) é o país mais pobre da parte mais rica da Europa. The total number of correct items equals to:
c) apresenta um produto bruto maior que a média da a) 1
Comunidade Européia. b) 2
d) apresenta um produto bruto abaixo da média da c) 3
Comunidade Européia. d) 4
e) conseguiu, nos anos 70, equiparar-se à Grã-Bretanha e) 5
em termos econômicos.
TEXT LI – II - QUESTIONS 381 TO 383
Read the text below in order to answer
PETROBRAS pioneered the petroleum industry in
TEXT LI-I – QUESTION 379 and 380 BRAZIL and therefore, had to face difficulties caused
by the lack of adequate infrastructure and technology.
PETROBRAS was founded in OCTOBER OF 1953 to In the 50’S and 60’S when petroleum began to be
operate in the Brazilian oil sector. Over more than worked in the country it became necessary for
decades the company has become the country’s leader PETROBRAS to build its first refineries.
in the distribution of oil products and is now Brazilian industry was then backward, PETROBRAS
internationally acknowledged as one dos the largest having thus played its role fostering the growth thereof.
twenty major oil companies in the world today, leading In those days due to the need to provide the country
the sector in the implementation of the most advanced with a suitable infrastructure the government chose to
deep water technology, for oil production – a field where adopt the replacement of imports and to encourage
it was awarded the OFFSHORE TECNOLOGY foreign companies to set up in BRAZIL.
COMPANY (OTC) prize in 1992. Early in the 80’S this model was substituted at
IN 1997, Brazil became part of the select group of 16 PETROBRAS by the Nationalization Model. In addition
nations that produces more than 1 million barrels per to replacing importation of essential items, this system
day. sought to find new suppliers and vest upon the company
No doubt that behind PETROBRAS’ success there is such powers as requires to make its own decisions
to be seen the capability of all units throughout the regarding the technological and industrial aspects of
national territory – refineries, production and exploration the oil business.
areas, pipelines, terminals, regional management, The demand for highly sophisticated equipment was
coupled with the fact that PETROBRAS has the largest ever-growing particularly where oil and gas had to be
fleet of oil tankers in the Southern Hemisphere. extracted from ever deeper waters, a situation for which
In 1997, law N. 9.478 marked the introduction of a new sometimes there were no techniques available
phase in the Brazilian oil industry. Keeping pace with anywhere in the world.
the changes in national and international scenarios. At the end the 80’S, with the enactment of laws aimed
PETROBRAS gets ready for the new era of free at modernizing Brazilian industry as a whole and
competition. rendering it more competitive, means were provided to
foster technological development.
379. As stated in text LI-I, PETROBRAS: By this time home market was capable to meet 94% of
a) Has been operating for exactly forty years. PETROBRAS requirements.
b) Has been leading world oil production for more that
four decades. 381. In relation to text LI-II, judge the items below.
c) Is larger than the twenty largest oil companies I- There wasn’t any other petroleum industry in
d) Got the otc prize in the middle of the 90’S Brazil before PETROBRAS.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 29

II- Difficulties faced by PETROBRAS had to do with headquarters in WASHINGTON, DC. The proposal can
the absence of infrastructure and techonology. also be submitted to the IFC field office that is closest
III- During some time PETROBRAS did not have any to the location of the proposed project.
refinery. Although IFC is primarily a financier of private sector
IV- In the 50’S and 60’S Brazilian industry was able projects, it may provide finance for a company with
to cope with PETROBRAS’S needs. some government ownership, provided there is private
V- PETROBRAS couldn’t promote its development sector participation and the venture is run on a
because of Brazilian industrial condition. commercial basis. Although IFC does not accept
The only true items are: government guarantees for its financing, IFC’S work
a) I,II and III often requires close cooperation with government
b) I,II and V agencies in developing countries.
c) I,III and IV
d) II,IV and V 384. According to text LI, IFC …
e) III,IV and V. a) Finances the products
b) Works with any country over the world
382. As presented in text LI-II, choose the correct c) Deals with private institutions
alternative: d) Provides money for companies at home and abroad
a) Never has the Brazilian government motivated e) Works at least with two types of investments: for an
foreign companies to establish their activities in Brazil enterprise in expansion and for a new venture.
b) In the 80’S there was no available equipment to
extract oil and gas from deep waters. 385. From text LI, it can be inferred that …
c) In the 80’S PETROBRAS changed its nationalistic a) An investment proposal is required whenever a
policy foreign company wants IFC finance.
d) With the early 80’s model PETROBRAS looked for b) After a detailed study of the feasibility plan is
different suppliers and provided a substitute for submitted, the project is immediately approved.
importation of some indispensable items. c) There are IFC regional departments in Washington.
e) A little before the 90’s most of PETROBRAS’s needs d) Only industries can apply for IFC financing.
could not be found in the local market e) IFC has local branches.

383. In the text LI-II, 386. From text LI, it can be gathered that …
I - “then” is the same at that time a) IFC is a non-profit company.
II - “its” (L8) refers back to “Brazilian industry” (L7). b) National government guarantee IFC’S acceptance
III – “chose” (L12) can be correctly replaced by opt of projects.
IV - “foreign” (L13) is synonymous with strange. c) In developing countries , local government agencies
V - “vest upon” (L17) is the same as gave. frequently participate in IFC’S work.
The only true are: d) Public institutions, as such, cannot raise finance for
a) I and II their projects.
b) I and V e) Private enterprise can support public institutions to
c) II and III borrow money from IFC.
d) I,IV and V.
e) III,III and IV. 387. In text LI, …
a) “wide” is the opposite of narrow.
TEXT LI – QUESTIONS 384 through 387 b) “submitted” is synonymous with avoid.
c) “closest” is the same as nearest.
International Finance Corporation (IFC) offers a wide d) “provided” is the past to provide.
variety of financial products to private sector projects in e) The world “venture” can be defined as a plan of action,
developing countries. which involves risk or uncertainty.
A company or entrepreneur, foreign or domestic,
seeking to establish a new venture or expand an Read the text below in order to answer questions
existing enterprise can approach IFC directly by 388 to 390:
submitting an Investment Proposal. After this initial
contact and a preliminary review, IFC may proceed by THE WORLD’S THREE LARGEST ECONOMIES
requesting a detailed feasibility study or business plan ARE LIMPING. EMERGING MARKETS ARE
to determine whether or not to appraise the project. DRIFTING INTO FINANCIAL CRISIS.
The proposal can be submitted to an IFC industry sector
department or to a n IFC regional department at IFC Emerson: Are we sliding into global recession?
30 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

Hormats: The risk is growing, but we are not there yet. e) The threat of financial contagion has been overcome.
Almost every economy on the globe is slowing down.
We haven’t seen this kind of Sharp, synchronized Read the text below in order to answer questions
downturn for years. 391 to 393:

E: Is this the dark side of globalization? FED STEERS US RATES LOWER BY QUARTER
H: You could say that. With the rapid increase in global POINT
trade and investment flows, growth in one country has
a greater probability of contributing to growth in others. The US Federal Reserve last night demonstrated its
But the reverse is also true. When the world’s largest determination to steer the American economy away
economy experiences a sharp drop, that inevitably drags from recession when it cut its key interest rate for the
down others. seventh time this year and signalled that borrowing costs
could fall again.
E: There are twin worries now: global recession and The Fed announced it was cutting its funds rate by a
financial contagion in emerging markets. Is this more quarter of a point to 3.5 per cent, its lowest for seven
dangerous than the financial contagion of 1997-1998? years, and also reduced its largest symbolic discount
H: In 1997, a financial crisis in emerging markets led to rate. The discount rate fell a quarter of a point to 3 per
recession in those economies. But most were able to cent, matching lows seen in the early 1990’s.
export their way out because the US na Europe were In a statement released alongside the rate decision,
growing. Now all major economies are slowing down, the Fed reiterated its so-called “easing bias”, a signal
as Argentina and Turkey are facing financial crisis. So that rates are more likely to fall than rise, saying that
yes, this situation is more dangerous for them. Even the risks to the US economy remained “weighted mainly
for the industrialized countries there is no locomotive. toward economic weakness”.
Countries cannot count on restoring growth by exporting The Fed said: “Business profits and capital spending
a lot more to one another. continue to weaken and growth abroad is slowing,
weighing on the US economy”.
388. According to the text, …
a) A slowdown in the US economy does not affect the 391. According to the text, the US Federal Reserve,
global economy. …
b) The three largest economies are insulated from this a) Might reduce its interest rate for the 7th time.
global downturn. b) Has been cutting its interest rate 7 times a year.
c) The economies of the world are closely linked and c) Has been trying to guide the US economy towards
interdependent. recession.
d) Globalization prevents financial contagion and global d) May soon announce its willingness to reduce interest
recession. rates.
e) Emerging countries have constantly had the foresight e) Has decided to reduce its interest rates.
to cut taxes.
392. According to the author, such lows in the
389. The headline of the article states that “The interest rates, …
world’s three largest economies are limping”, which a) Have occurred before.
means they are … b) Have weakened the world’s economy.
a) Currently experiencing difficulties. c) Are likely to cause global recession.
b) Exporting to emerging markets. d) Might resolve Europe’s recession.
c) Finfing domestic solutions. e) Have underpinned global growth.
d) Underpinning global growth.
e) Experiencing a high-tech investment boom. 393. In connection with recession in the American
economy, the aim of the Fed is to, …
390. According to the interviewee, … a) Sustain it.
a) Emerging countries are the ones which steer global b) Bide its time
economy. c) Avert it.
b) Argentina and Turkey have restored their internal d) Restore it.
growth. e) Interpret it.
c) Europe has remained insulated from the actual global
downturn. Read the text below in order to answer questions
d) Globalization has both its advantages and its 394 to 397
drawbacks.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 31

SHOCKS TO THE SYSTEM AUDITOR JÚNIOR (Prefeitura)


(Analista do Banco Central 2001)
Text LI-I question 398 through 400
At the start of the year, it was not uncommon to hear
businessmen saying that Brazil was enjoying its best There are 34 sedimentary basins within the territory of
economic conditions for a generation. The country Brazil, covering an area of 6,5 million square kilometers.
appeared to be well on the way to period of sustained Oil production had started from the country’s
economic expansion. Most economists were looking to northeastern onshore basins in the forties, being
another strong year growth, with Gross domestic followed by first offshore production in 1968, which
product expanding by 4.5 per cent in 2001, on top of 4 supported exploration efforts all along the eastern coast
per cent in 2000. Real interest rates were about to fall of Brazil.
to single digits for the first time in decades. In 1974, the discovery well of the Garoupa field in the
However, within just a few months, the outlook for the Campos Basin, offshore state of Rio de Janeiro, marked
Brazilian economy has deteriorated dramatically. A a significant turning point in the history of PETROBRAS,
whole series of unexpected factors are to blame. “We as this would become the most prolific oil producing
have been confronted by a series of shocks”, admits area in the country. In the mid-eighties, giant deepwater
Armínio Fraga, president of the central bank. fields were discovered in the Campos Basin, justifying
The main cause of this turnaround has been well known heavy investments in technical studies and R&D projects
for several years that Brazil ran the risk of power to develop drilling techniques and production technology
shortages because the expansion of capacity was not to bring this deep oil on stream. In 1991, oil flowed from
accompanying growth in demand, leaving the reservoirs the subsea completed well in 721 m water depth, in the
that fuel the power stations precariously low. Yet, even Marlin field.
with so much advance warning, the introduction of
rationing still came as a surprise. 398. Based on text LI-I, it can be concluded that in
Brazil …
394. The text suggests that businessmen, … a) Sedimentary basins can be found throughout two
a) Have succeeded in importing foreign energy. Brazilian regions.
b) Have remained optimistic up until now. b) Oil production first began in the north.
c) Are to blame for the energy crisis. c) Oil production started five decades ago.
d) Have been accompanying the steady Brazilian d) The first onshore production took place in the eastern
growth. coast.
e) Expressed their optimism concerning Brazil’s e) Eastern coast oil has been exploited for nearly forty
economy. years.

395. Concerning the Brazilian economy, the year 399. According to text LI-I, choose the incorrect
2001 has been, … option.
a) Disappointing. a) Campos basin is the most productive area in Brazil.
b) Predictable. b) Huge deepwater fields were found about 1985.
c) Invaluable. c) Garoupa would become as prolific as northeastern
d) Satisfactory. basins.
e) Profitable. d) Campos basin demands new technologies for drilling
and production.
396. Which aspect is not mentioned in the text? e) In the early 90s, deep oil stream flowed to the
a) Power shortages. superface in the Marlin field
b) Environmental impact.
c) Rationing 400. In text LI-I …
d) Economic expansion. I- “within” is the opposite of without.
e) Gross domestic product. II- “had started” can be correctly replaced by has
stared.
397. According to the text, … III- “all along” means in different directions.
a) The energy crisis made interest rates decrease. IV- “turning point” is the same as the time at which
b) The president of the central bank predicted the crisis. the situation started to change.
c) Brazil was able to avert the energy crisis. V- “drilling” is related to machines.
d) More than one element affected Brazil’s economy. The only true items are:
e) Advance warning could have avoided the crisis. a) I and III.
b) I and V.
32 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

c) II and III. b) auditors, capable of analyzing out a wide range of


d) II and IV. tasks.
e) IV and V. c) people from many professions, working in specialized
areas.
THE GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE IN THE USA d) well-disciplined volunteers from several skilled
professions.
The General Accounting Office is the investigative e) special investigators hired for the occasion by the
arm of Congress. GAO exists to support the Congress executive.
in meeting its Constitutional responsibilities and to help
improve the performance and accountability of the 404. In the final analysis, the information provided
federal government for the American people. GAO is by GAO is …
dedicated to good government through its commitment a) only for the political party in power.
to the core values of accountability, integrity, and b) about the president of the United States.
reliability. c) based on secret intelligence activities.
Accountability describes the nature of GAO’s work. d) intended for the people of the USA.
GAO helps the Congress oversee federal programs and e) seldom able to meet its code of ethics.
operations to ensure accountability to the American
people. GAO’s analysts, auditors, lawyers, economists, 405. The last paragraph points out that the products
information technology specialists, investigators, and and services produced by GAO must …
other multidisciplinary professionals seek to enhance a) give a broad overview of the topic in hand.
the economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and credibility b) avoid giving offense to anybody involved.
of the federal government both in fact and in the eyes c) use the technical terms appropriate to each task.
of the American people. GAO accomplishes its mission d) be meticulous, clear and punctually produced.
through a variety of activities, including financial audits, e) always be kept strictly out of the public eye.
program reviews, investigations, legal support, and
program analyses. 406. Which of the following would NOT be an
Integrity describes the high standards that GAO sets appropriate task for GAO?
for itself in the conduct of its work. GAO takes a a) auditing the work of a government department.
professional, objective, fact-based, non-partisan, non- b) providing evidence for a congressional inquiry.
ideological, fair, and balanced approach to all of its c) giving an opinion on a technical point of law.
activities. Integrity is the foundation of reputation, and d) producing a report on a topic of interest to Congress.
GAO’s approach to its work assures both. e) organizing a political party broadcast on television.
Reliability describes GAO’s goal for how its work is
viewed by the Congress and the American public. GAO Text LI – questions 407 though 410
produces high quality reports, testimony, briefings, legal
opinions, and other products and services that are PETROBRAS Fuels Marketing Management sells the
timely, accurate, useful, clear and candid. following products: gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene, fuel
(From http://www.gao.gov). oils, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or kitchen gas.
The marketing of the these products is regulated by
401. According to the text, GAO is an agency of … specific government directives from the
a) the American legal system. National Department of Oil and Oil Products (DNC) -
b) the US National Congress. Directive No. 25 of 6/8/94, for the first three, and
c) an American state government Directive No. 843 of 10/31/90, for the last one.
d) the executive branch of the USA. These directives define the rules and regulations for
e) The American Constitutional court. companies incorporated in accordance with Brazilian
laws involved in the distribution of these products.
402. The text says that the three essential aims of The amounts of these products that can be acquired by
GAO require it to be … distributors from PETROBRAS are subject to control
a) transparent, honest and dependable. by the DNC, taking into account the storage capacity of
b) credible, secretive and competent. each distributor.
c) able to make good reports, integral and trustworthy. These amounts must be submitted by the distributors
d) open, professionally clueless and effective. for approval, at least two days prior to the monthly
e) uncritical, honorable and independent. meeting held specifically to monitor the marketing of
fuels (pursuant to the meeting schedule). Each
403. The people who work for the GAO are usually … distributor should consider expected levels of demand
a) lawyers, capable of carrying out a wide range of tasks.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 33

for gasoline, diesel oil, kerosene and fuel oils over a c) “prior to” means earlier than.
period of three months, or four months, for LPG. d) “over” can be correctly replaced by above.
After having been submitted, the quantities – or orders, e) “inasmuch” is the same as to as much as.
as they are known – have limited variation bands
attached to them, indicating a maximum and minimum THE LATIN AMERICAN ECONOMIES (Banco
demand for the subsequent months. The monthly Central)
product order becomes each distributor’s usable quota,
inasmuch as PETROBRAS makes the quantity ordered For decades, the economies of Latin America were
available. However, these orders can be altered at the heavily protected. Government ownership of industry
request of the distributor, after a review by either the was widespread. Foreign investment was minimal. The
DNC and/or PETROBRAS. theory was that to end dependence on basic
These product orders are sent to the company’s supply commodities (coffee, sugar, copper), industries had to
sector, which analyses them and sends on the requests be protected against bigger – usually U.S. – companies.
to PETROBRAS regional divisions throughout Brazil Nationalism and economics made a marriage of
responsible for delivery to the distributors. Similarly, convenience.
changes to orders, such as additional orders, But beginning of the 1980s, Latin governments changed,
reductions, transfers or anticipated delivery can also because economic performance was dismal and Asia’s
be analysed by the area, according to the regions in example was instructive. The phrase “Washington
which each distributor operates. consensus” was soon coined by economist John
Williamson of the Institute for International Economics
407. According to text LI, which of the following to denote the policies that the U.S. government and
items is not true. Washington-based institutions (the World Bank, the
a) Fuel product sales follow federal regulations. International Monetary Fund) were advocating: lower
b) Directive No. 25 dates back to August 94. tariffs, higher foreign investment, tighter budgets, less
c) LPG marketing directives was set up thirteen years inflation.
ago. Brazil exemplified the shift. In 1985, tariffs averaged
d) Regulations on fuel oil sales are made explicit in 80 percent; by 2000, they were 15 percent.
the text. Privatization of nationalized companies exploded;
e) Each directive from DNC regulates exactly one oil from 1996 to 2001, Brazil received nearly $150 billion
product. in foreign direct investment. As The Economist notes,
the changes have benefited Brazil. Hyperinflation
408. It can be gathered from text LI that … (exceeding 1,000 percent annually) was conquered.
a) The DNC keeps a record of the amounts of the But there was no permanent boom, and since 1999,
products bought. the economy has slowed.
b) The quantity of PETROBRAS products sold
depends only on the amount distributors can sell. 411. According to the author, Latin America’s
c) Meetings to approve amounts to be distributed economic situation …
take place for two days every month. a) Served as a model for the Asian countries.
d) Monthly meetings follow a certain calendar. b) Has shown no significant shift since 1980.
e) Demands for all PETROBRAS products should be c) Was poor in the 1980s, thus requiring change.
based on a four months’ expectation. d) Should not have been influenced by the World Bank.
e) Has not shown any significamt change.
409. According to text LI, which of the following
items is true. 412. The text mentions …
a) After having been submitted, new orders to come a) A set of policies derived from certain institutions.
will have fixed quantities. b) The recent urge to raise international tariffs.
b) Petrol distribution is based on a three months’ c) Argentina’s economic and social turmoil
expectation. d) Asia’s lack of trade with the Latin America region.
c) Once a usable quota is settled, its amount remains e) The lack of economic changes in South America.
unchanged.
d) Only the DNC can review previous quota. 413. According to the text, Brazil …
e) Additional orders follow a regional criterion. a) Symbolizes the refusal to promote economic
changes.
410. In text LI, … b) Has been unable to fight inflation.
a) “last” can be correctly replaced by least. c) Has rejected the free-market model.
b) “taking into account” is the same as taking into d) Became dependent on Asian investments.
consideration.
34 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

e) Has promoted economic renewal within its borders. b) Study.


c) Web.
414. The author says that hiperinflation was d) Slowdown.
conquered, which means it …
a) Ought to be controlled. 420. “If they can’t meet _____ goals, they should
b) Was controlled. blame______, not ______.”
c) Was achieved. The words which best complete the passage are,
d) Must have been foreseen. respectively:
e) Might have been avoided. a) Their – themselves – us.
b) Their – theirselves – ours.
415. In the main, the text deals with … c) Them – themselves – ourselves.
a) The North-American countries. d) Them – theirselves – ourselves.
b) The Asian policies in the world.
c) The undeniable Brazilian nationalism. 421. “Candidates are expected to live in France, so
d) Economic shifts in Latin America. they can apply for the job _____ they prove they
e) The unchanged economic scenario. can speak French.”
The expression or word which best completes the
VAMOS FAZER MAIS UMA PAUSA E RESOLVER passage is:
ALGUNS EXERCÍCIOS QUE ABORDAM UM POUCO a) Only if.
DE GRAMÁTICA E VOCABULÁRIO b) But.
c) However.
416. IN SPITE OF A DROP IN INVESTMENT IN THE d) Despite.
TECHNOLOGICAL AREA, skillful web designers
are still eagerly looked for. 422. In the sentence, UNLESS YOU HAVE A
The clause “In spite of a drop in investment in the PASSWORD means approximately:
technological area” could be replaced by: a) Because you have a password.
a) Although there was a drop in investment in the b) Once you have a password.
technological area. c) If you don’t have a password.
b) Since there was a drop in investment in the d) Provided you have a password.
technological area.
c) However there was a drop in investment in the 423. In the passage, “PUT OFF” means
technological area. approximately:
d) As there was a drop in investment in the technological “The delivery of those computer parts has been put
area. off another week.”
a) Postponed.
417. If they _____ us beforehand, we ______ the b) Anticipated
necessary measures. Now it is too late. c) Inacreased
Choose the verbs which best complete the passage d) Improved
above:
a) Have warned – will take. 424. Traduza as seguintes sentenças. Confira com
b) Had warned – will have taken. o gabarito.
c) Have warned – have taken. a) … would have to be reformulated by the three
{
d) Had warned – would have taken.
___________________________________________
418. The sentence “The security system has not branches of the government
{

been tested so far” means approximately:


a) Nobody has tested the security system so far. _________________________________________
b) Nothing has been tested by the security system so
far. b) …have been monitored by public
c) No security system has been tested so far.
d) None of the security systems has been tested so far. __________________________________________________________________________________

419. In the passage “This study on business on the and private servants
web – which has just been released – points to a
marked slowdown in the sector” WHICH refers to: __________________________________
a) Business.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 35

425. Dê uma olhada no texto “A HISTORY OF TO RADIO = passar uma mensagem via rádio (em
TAXATION” que foi apresentado para as questões um barco)
102, 103 e 104. De acordo com o texto, ... TO TELEPHONE = telefonar
a) portoria were Roman products which were exempted TO LOVE = amar
from taxing TO WORK = trabalhar
b) sales taxes could be refunded as soon as a war was
over 426. A seguir voce terá uma lista de verbos que
c) in Ancient Greece, citizens of other nationalities were freqüentemente, aparecem em textos de provas
not exempted from taxes oficiais. Tais palavras são, tanto verbos quanto
d) wartime expenditures were not financed by taxes in substantivos.
ancient civilizations
e) the Egyptian Pharaohs did not impose levies on their VERBO SUBSTANTIVO
citizens throughout history
TO CHANGE = trocar, mudar _________________
BEM, VAMOS VOLTAR A DAR UMA OLHADA EM TO CUT = cortar ___________________________
UMA DICA QUE FOI APRESENTADA NA APOSTILA TO DOCUMENT = documentar _________________
DE INGLÊS DA CENTRAL DE CONCURSOS, MAIS TO DROP = cair, despencar __________________
PRECISAMENTE NO ITEM 21. ELA SERÁ TO FACE = encarar, deparar-se ________________
REPRODUZIDA A SEGUIR. DEPOIS DE LER A TO FALL = cair ___________________________
EXPLICAÇÃO A SEGUIR, DÊ A TRADUÇÃO DE TO INCREASE = aumentar ___________________
ALGUNS VERBOS E SUBSTANTIVOS. TO MISUSE = mal utilizar, usar mal ____________
TO PRICE = precificar _______________________
CURIOSIDADES DO MARAVILHOSO MUNDO DO TO RAISE = aumentar ______________________
INGLÊS TO REACH = alcançar ______________________
TO RISE = aumentar, subir ___________________
Nos textos que você leu até agora, bem como nos TO SHIFT = trocar, mudar ____________________
próximos, você se deparará com algumas curiosidades TO SUPPORT = sustentar, apoiar _____________
do maravilhoso mundo do inglês. TO TAX = tributar __________________________
Olhe as palavras a seguir: TO TERM = denominar, chamar de ____________
TO USE = usar, utilizar ______________________
MILK Muito provavelmente, as palavras
WATER ao lado são bem conhecidas. São 427. On October 11, 2001, ___________ Ronald
RADIO substantivos que aprendemos des- Reagan became __________ ex-president in U.S.
TELEPHONE de as nossas primeiras lições de In- history.
LOVE glês. a) 90-year-old / the older
WORK b) 90-years-old / the oldest
c) 90-years-old / the older
Você se surprenderia se eu afirmasse que as palavras d) 90-year-old / the oldest
acima mencionadas são verbos, também? e) 90-year’s old / the older

Pois é isso mesmo. Em inglês, muitos substantivos são 428. Qual a versão correta para a seguinte frase:
utilizados como verbos, também. A seqüência das “Foi uma pena que eles não puderam investir todo
palavras, em inglês, segue, basicamente, a mesma o dinheiro”
seqüência de palavras em português, ou seja, SUJEITO a) It was a pity you could not invest all the money.
+ VERBO + COMPLEMENTO, você deve ficar atento, b) It was a pity you can not invest all the money.
pois, talvez, uma palavra que você conheça como c) It was a pity you must not invest all the money.
substantivo esteja sendo utilizada como verbo ou vice d) It was a pity you did not can not invest all the money.
e versa.
Não se assuste em ver verbos como os que foram 429. Complete as lacunas: _____________________
apresentados acima, pois são muito comuns e TÊM executives at the company speak _______________
ESTADO CADA VEZ MAIS PRESENTES EM English.
CONCURSOS PÚBLICOS. a) Fews - some
Os verbos que ilustram o início da explicação são b) The few - something
traduzidos da seguinte forma: c) A few - anybody
TO MILK = ordenhar d) Few - some
TO WATER = aguar, regar
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430. Qual a pergunta mais adequada para termos a that order mass layoffs or grow too powerful for local
seguinte resposta: “I checked some data on the comfort. Global capitalism is now continental.
computer screen.
a) Where did you do yesterday? 435. According to the text, poor nations …
b) What do you did yesterday? a) Currently influence decisions in relation to global
c) Where did you do yesterday? trade.
d) What did you do yesterday? b) No longer play a major role within the global trade
context.
431. A resposta para a pergunta “Have you ever c) Have been leading the global trade boom for the last
invested at the stock exchange? decade.
a) Yes, I haven’t d) Will probably participate in the international trade
b) No, I didn’t game.
c) No, I have e) Have slowed the growth of international trade.
d) No, I haven’t
436. According to the author, global capitalism …
432. Complete a lacuna. “The director wants the a) Was born in Asia.
reports. Give ______ to ______. b) Is undergoing changes.
a) them - him c) Should exclude certain regions.
b) their - he d) Encourages the monopoly.
c) it - him e) Was refused by the USA.
d) it - he
437. The text refers to the emerging role played by …
433. A sentença com a preposição correta é: a) The USA along with Asia.
a) I start work at 8 o’clock b) India along with the USA.
b) I have studied English for 1983. c) Africa along with the USA.
c) I went at the movies yesterday. d) The poor nations as well as by Europe.
d) Let’s go to abroad. e) The USA along with Brazil.

434. A voz passiva de “The Congress will approve 438. According to the text, …
some new laws.”: a) Consensus has been achieved since the early 90s.
a) Some new laws will approve by the Congress. b) Brazil kept its leading role during the 1980s and
b) Some new laws will be approve by the Congress. 1990s.
c) Some new laws are approved by the Congress. c) Rules might have been defined in relation to global
d) Some new laws will be approved by the Congress. trade.
d) Americanization is unavoidable in the poorest regions.
CAPITALISM RECONSIDERED (Banco Central) e) The EU serves as a model within the global trade
context.
Remember the triumph of Anglo-Saxon capitalism? Not
many do. The nations that inspired the late-2oth –century 439. The text mentions mass layoffs, which means
boom in global trade and profited most greatly form in …
advance no longer define its rules. What the radical a) The hiring of under-qualified employees.
individualists of the United States and Britain failed to b) The huge increase of certain trade tariffs.
recognize was how few poor nations had joined the c) The dismissal of numerous employees.
global system by the turn of the millennium: two dozen d) The disregard for environmental issues.
at best. More than 100 were left out. Now, as more poor e) The disrespect for local legal requirements.
nations join the international trading game, they have
increased their share of world trade by more than half. LOWER INTEREST RATES (Banco Central)
They are demanding a greater say in the global system,
led by nations that most opposed the “Americanization” Stock markets rose in expectation of the Federal
of global trade and culture: India, China, Brazil. Reserve’s half-point cut in interest rates on November
This new force looks to Europe for inspiration. As a 6th to 1.25%, the lowest rate for more than 40 years.
result, the governors of globalization – the International The following day, the European Central Bank (ECB)
Monetary Fund, Worlds Bank and World Trade and the Bank of England decided not to cut their rates,
Organization – are no longer led by the United States, but they are still expected to ease next month. However,
but by consensus, similar to the EU (European Union). investors’ exuberance is odd, for interest rates are
The global rules are cracking down on multinationals
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 37

coming down because the world economy is in worse 443. Which of the items below are positively referred
shape than had been hoped. to in the text?
America’s recovery is stalling, as consumers tighten a) the new legal tender.
their belts. In the euro area, consumer and business b) labor laws.
confidence are both on the wane. Although euro-area c) the European taxes.
inflation is above the 2% ceiling set by the ECB, weak d) welfare benefits.
demand will push inflation down next year. The case e) regulations.
for interest-rate cuts in both America and the euro area
was strong, even though the ECB has not yet moved. 444. According to the author, a Western European
But will rate cuts work ? economic renaissance …
a) requires remarkable technological support.
440. The text refers to the Federal Reserve’s … b) is inhospitable to American-style companies.
a) Initiative to lower interest rates. c) may be at last set off.
b) Future decision to reduce interest rates. d) may trigger higher levels of unemployment.
c) Intention to increase interest rates. e) has been achieved over the last years.
d) 1.25% cut in interest rates.
e) Refusal to decrease interest rates. 445. “For years, Europe has been an economic
backwater”, means that Europe …
441. According to the text, “America’s recovery is a) has been an economic and financial paradise.
stalling”, which means it is … b) has been isolated from modern economic ideas and
a) Exuberant. influences.
b) Amazing. c) has been both economically and financially viable.
c) Miraculous. d) used to be competitive and innovative.
d) Speedy e) has not imposed enough taxes and regulations for
e) Delayed. many years.

442. The expression “on the wane” in relation to 446. The EMU coins and notes …
consumer and business confidence means it is … a) are already available.
a) Lost. b) will be available on Jan. 1, 1999.
b) Invigorated. c) will cease to exist on Jan. 1, 2002.
c) Weakening. d) are called euro.
d) Strengthened. e) will not be available until Jan. 1, 2001.
e) Endorsed.
Read the text below in order to answer questions
Read the text below in order to answer questions 447 to 449.
443 to 446.
TAX-FREE INTEREST
THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION (AFTN)
Congress is finally making a move toward school choice.
On Jan. 1, 1999 the European Monetary Union (EMU) The Senate approved a bill in April that would allow
will come into full-blown existence with 11 countries family members, charitable groups and employers to
adopting a continent wide currency called the euro. put up to $2,000 per child annually into education
Coins and notes will not be available until Jan. 1, 2002. savings accounts that would earn tax-free interest.
Until that time, one can either use the old currencies or Parents could use the funds for expenses related to
conduct euro transactions electronically, or with checks elementary and secondary schooling, regardless of
or plastic cards. In 2002, EMU countries will use only whether their children were in public, private, religious
the euro as their legal tender, and the Deutsche mark, or home schools. The unused money and interest could
French franc, Italian lira et al. will cease to exist. later be rolled over and used for college-related
This new money may finally trigger a Western European expenses.
economic renaissance. For years Europe has been an We should not squander this opportunity!
economic backwater because of excessive taxes and
regulations, onerous labour laws and ludicrously lavish 447. According to the author, Congress is at last
welfare benefits. No wonder there is little high contributing to …
technology in lands so inhospitable to freewheeling, a) a free choice of school.
American-style entrepreneurship, or that unemployment b) tax increases on education.
there is more than twice ours. c) the supremacy of public schools.
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d) the revival of family values. c) additional taxes must not be adopted.


e) profits derived from savings accounts. d) audits are an unnecessary practice.
e) audits will soon be abolished.
448. When the author claims that “we should not
squander this opportunity”, he means we … TAXING DEVELOPMENTS
a) must not conceal its effects on tax payers.
b) should not welcome it. Up until 5 April 1999, investors received dividends from
c) should not advertise it. stocks and shares net of a tax credit of 20%. This 20%
d) might not alter any of its items. tax is paid by the company declaring the dividend to the
e) should not waste it. Inland Revenue as Advance Corporation Tax.
Until the July 1997 Budget, all those who did not pay
449. The funds deposited in the education savings tax, such as individuals with low incomes, pension
accounts may not be used for … schemes and Pep investors, could reclaim this tax credit
a) elementary education. from the Inland Revenue. The 1997 measures
b) secondary education. immediately ended the right of pension funds to reclaim
c) college expenses. this tax, and in April 1999 non-tax payers were no longer
d) non-educational expenses. able to reclaim this credit either.
e) educational expenses. Furthermore, from 6 April 1999, the tax credit on
dividends was reduced to 10% and Pep and Isa
Read the text below in order to answer questions investors are only allowed to reclaim this 10% tax credit,
450 to 452. not the previous level of 20%.

TAX AUDITS (AFTN) 453. The tax credit referred to in the first sentence
of the text is a …
Although only about one out of every 100 individual tax a) discount tax rate for investors who declare their
returns will be audited in 1998, the Internal Revenue assets
Service (IRS) is very good at selecting returns for audit b) tax deducted at source before dividends are paid to
that will yield additional taxes. Nevertheless, if your investors
return is selected, it does not necessarily mean you will c) quantity charged by Corporate investors for their
incur any additional tax liability. services
If you do not agree with the examiner’s report, you can d) special allowance given to rural old age pensioners
meet with the examiner’s supervisor to discuss your e) welfare benefit given by the government to poor
case further. If you still do not agree, you have the right people
to appeal the findings through a separate Appeals
Office. You can also appeal to the U.S. Tax Court. 454. According to the author, the Inland Revenue …
a) receives dividends from stocks and shares
450. The author states that the examiner’s report b) must declare its dividends
might be … c) might reclaim tax credit from the Federal Revenue
a) dishonest. d) used to pay higher tax credits up to 5 April 1999
b) unofficial. e) collects taxes from non-taxpayers
c) questioned.
d) irrevocable. 455. According to the text, changes to Inland
e) ambiguous. Revenue rules on the taxation …
a) might soon take place
451. According to the text, when you meet the b) have been made
examiner’s supervisor, … c) had to be postponed
a) the two of you must reach a final agreement. d) will soon be implemented
b) you wish to discuss the examiner’s liability. e) have not been made
c) you have already accepted the examiner’s report.
d) additional taxes are charged. 456. The tax credit on dividends has been …
e) you intend to discuss the examiner’s report in more a) increased by 10%
detail. b) below 10%
c) decreased to 10%
452. The text implies that … d) higher than 10%
a) audits rarely result in additional charges. e) above 10%
b) additional taxes may be charged.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 39

457. Which alternative below is not mentioned as a)European direct investments.


having once been eligible for a credit rebate? b) Increase in income tax.
a) Individuals with high incomes c) Outsourcing of some services.
b) Pep investors d) Higher National Insurance Contributions.
c) Pension funds e) Borrowing money from public coffers.
d) Pension schemes
e) Individuals with low incomes 462. The writer of the article has reservations about
whether increased spending on public services …
BRITAIN’S BUDGET (TRF 2002) a) can be effective without first reforming them.
b) Is advisable in time of global recession.
When the New Labour government first came to power c) Has ever been a viable economic target.
in 1997, Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer d) Can lead to more equality with Europe.
(or finance minister), was tight-fisted. He bolted down e) Can really be achieved before mid year.
public spending and increased tax burden. In 2000 the
dividends arrived, as Mr. Brown ladled out money for
public services. The ever-more-powerful Chancellor ELECTION FEARS HARM BRAZILIAN ECONOMY
promised targeted give-aways in the 2001 budget.
This year’s budget focused on reviving the perpetually Brazil’s presidential election does not take place until
troubled National Health Service. Mr. Brown vowed to October, but investors are already voting with their feet
raise taxes – National Insurance contributions, more at the prospect of victory for the leftwing opposition
precisely – to bring British health spending to European candidate, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
levels. In this mid-year spending review, delivered in The presidential contender from the Workers’ Party,
July, he showered still more money on other services, better known simply as Lula, holds a commanding lead
education in particular. But pouring money into an over José Serra, the ruling Social Democratic party
unreformed system may not be his cleverest idea. candidate. The possibility that Lula, a former
metalworker, will become leader of Latin America’s most
458. With regard to public spending, the British important economy has got the markets – which
finance minister … consider him a leftwing firebrand – rattled.
a) first parsimonious, then more generous. Stocks have tumbled and the currency, the real, has
b) generous at first, then more cautious. slumped in recent weeks. Last week, credit rating
c) first anxious to please, then more objective. agencies – which access the ability of borrowers to repay
d) popular in the early stages, but now unpopular. their debt – downgraded Brazilian debt.
e) first concerned with education, now with heath. Investors fear that if Brazil goes off the rails, the rest of
Latin America will descend into chaos as the economic
459. The text says that, as a minister, Gordon Brown contagion spreads. Although Argentineans are suffering
is becoming … terribly from economic turmoil and a once-proud country
a) more and more impotent. is reverting to a barter economy, Argentina’s problems
b) increasingly pro-European. have not spread to the rest of the continent so far.
c) stronger and stronger.
d) less and less influential. 463. According to the text, Lula’s possible victory
e) more and more tight-fisted. in Brazil’s upcoming presidential election …
a) would avoid economic turmoil.
460. Gordon Brown’s plans for the National Health b) might relieve the economic pressure.
Service aims to … c) would hardly impact the national economy.
a) provide more patients with low-cost free treatment. d) already worries the markets.
b) permit European countries to imitate Vritain’s health e) would underpin the national growth.
care system.
c) help health services to reach the same standards as 464. The author says that the Brazilian currency has
those in education. slumped in recent weeks, which means it …
d) allow for progressive privatization of health care, on a) has suddenly fallen.
European lines. b) has rallied.
e) catch up with spending on health care in other c) has not been hit.
European countries. d) could have been depreciated.
e) has reached its highest quotation.
461. Improvements in the British National Health
System are to be financed …
40 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

465. Argentina’s present economic situation is c) there is a set of laws which determine that bank
referred to as … accounts cannot be surrendered.
a) affluent. d) purchases made by credit card may benefit from tax
b) harrowing. exemption.
c) thriving. e) Singaporeans might have their accounts disclosed
d) smooth. by US tax authorities.
e) impeccable.
469. The main subject of the text is …
US TAX EVASION PROBE EXTENDS TO a) the impact of fiscal adjustments in the United States.
SINGAPORE b) a considerable drop in tax revenues due to the
American recession.
The reach of Uncle Sam’s taxman in pursuit of unpaid c) a significant increase in tax revenues in the United
revenue has apparently extended even to Singapore, States.
despite the banking secrecy laws herein the U.S. d) the unsustainable pension system adopted by the
The Republic has reportedly become involved in an United States.
attempt by the United States tax authorities to identify e) a procedure adopted by the IRS in order to identify
tax evaders among an estimated one to two million tax evaders.
American citizens who have opened offshore bank
accounts. TEXT LI-II – QUESTIONS 470 AND 471
The fact the taxman is going to this extent may seem
astonishing to Singaporeans. But it makes sense when Today a modern company’s cutting edge lies in
you realize that all income earned by US citizens is excellence in environmental management and in an
taxable, whether it is held locally or in other countries. essential strategy for sustainable development.
The information, which the US Internal Revenue Service Environmental aspects, occupational health care and
(IRS) hopes will stem the loss of between US$20 billion industrial safety are a vital part of each area of the
and US$40 billion each year in tax revenues, is being company’s business.
sought from MasterCard International. This is because To achieve this excellence, the environmental
offshore bank account holders often use credit cards performance must be on a par with or even better than
issued by MasterCard, Visa, American Express and the leading world companies in the sector.
other Environmental results must be improved, ensuring
payment specialists to gain access to their funds from maximum transparency and reliability in PETROBRAS
the US. But whether the IRS will succeed in obtaining operations, processes, products and services. For this
information such as the names and transaction records purpose, a strategy has been adopted for the company’s
of such account holders is still an open question plants to be awarded the ISO 14001, BS 8800 and ISM
because of the present US banking secrecy laws. Code certificates.
PETROBRAS is giving environmental management the
466. The expression “to stem the loss” means to … same importance that it gives to its productivity.
a) stop it.
b) bring it about. 470. From text LI-II, it can be gathered that …
c) sum it up. a) A highly competitive company today should rather
d) take it over. be more concerned with is productivity than anything
e) make it out. else.
b) Environmental issues should be the company’s major
467. The aim of the US tax authorities … worry.
a) could have been to pursue tax evaders. c) The leading oil companies should better care about
b) has been to restrain the issue of credit cards. the environment.
c) is to root out tax evaders. d) PETROBRAS still needs to better its environmental
d) is to target all the tax haven countries. results.
e) has been to forbid offshore bank accounts. e) PETROBRAS has already been given ISM Code.

468. According to the text, … I - In text LI-II, the last paragraph: “PETROBRAS is
a) one or two million American citizens are, in fact, tax giving environmental management the same
evaders. importance that it gives to productivity” means the
b) deposits made by American citizens abroad are same as PETROBRAS is supposed to give to its
eligible for tax reductions. productivity the same treatment it used to give to
environmental management.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 41

II - PETROBRAS is giving the same importance to a) Confidence in his company’s software has been so
environmental management as given to its high that Bill has decided a major strategy shift in
productivity. Microsoft’s security policy.
III - Environmental management is being given b) Bill Gates has denied that any security problem has
identical importance by PETROBRAS as the one it in fact occurred so far but has taken stops to prevent
gives to its productivity. them from happening.
IV - Productivity is now given the same importance c) In response to security problems, Bill Gates has
as it is was given to environmental management. announced a new focus on security and privacy.
V - PETROBRAS used to give to the environment d) Bill Gates has this week dismissed the need for any
management and productivity the same identical. major change in Microsoft’s focus on security and
privacy.
471 .The only true items are …
a) I and V The “new wave of online technology” part is debatable,
b) II and III but RingMessanger is definitely the leasing edge of the
c) II and IV convergence/synergy movement that is sweeping the
d) III and IV major media companies. (Boston Globe, Jan.2002)
e) III and V
475. In the passage, the word DEBATABLE means
PRODAM approximately: …
ANALISTA DE SUPORTE JR a) Arguable.
b) Reliable.
A technician’s error severed Window users from c) Unacceptable.
Microsoft’s update servers for five days leaving Net d) Trustworthy.
analysts questioning whether the software giant can
deliver 24-7 services. (MSNBC, Jan.2002) According to sources CEOs of the computer industry
many of whom have faced severe criticism lately have
472. According to the passage: … promised to tackle the issue at once.
a) A human error made it impossible for Window users
to access Microsoft update servers for five days. 476. In the passage WHOM refers to: …
b) Analysts question whether Microsoft is really able to a) Sources.
offer 24-7 services. b) Computer industry.
c) A human error allowed Window users to have free c) Severe criticism.
access to Microsoft’s update servers for five days. d) CEOs of the computer industry.
d) A mechanical error allowed Window users to have
free access to Microsoft’s update servers for five days. ASSEMBLÉIA LEG. SP
ANAL-PROGRAM
A new computer worm masqueraded as a software
update from Microsft Corp. is capable of deleting all Microsoft next year plans to update Windows XP to
files on the 7rd drive of an infected computer, but has support two technologies left out of the new operating
so far spread very slowly, an antivirus vendor said system: USB 2.0 and Bluetooth. Both technologies
Monday. (CNN.com. jan.2002) are used for connecting peripherals to PCs, USB 2.0
at speeds up to 480 megabits per second (mbps) and
473. According to the passage, the virus: … Bluetooth over the air without wires. USB 2.0 support
a) Was unintentionally sent by Microsoft itself in one of is expected early next year, and the Bluetooth
its updates. addition should come bye mid-2002. (ZedNet news,
b) Is spreading with unprecedented speed. Dec.2001)
c) Has not so far spread at great speed.
d) Was intentionally created by a Microsoft vendor. 477. According to the text: …
a) Microsoft is planning to launch next year its new
Following a string of embarrassing security glitches, operating systems: USB 2.0 and Bluetooth.
Microsoft’s Chairman Bill Gates this week announced b) USB 2.0 is slightly faster than Bluetooth, which uses
a major strategy shift to focus on security and privacy a different technology for connecting peripherals.
and restore confidence in the company’s software. c) The current version of Windows XP does not include
(Silicon Valley.com, Jan.2002) the technology USB 2.0 and Bluetooth.
d) The update to Bluetooth is expected to come sooner
474. According to the passage: … than that to USB 2.0.
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478. The problem which the text points to is: … over his accomplishments and gloated over achieving
a) That there is an excessive number of digital libraries in months what his predecessor Fernando Henrique
9DLs) in the market today. Cardoso could not do during his eight years in office.
b) The fact that users need to use more than one “I am pleased and the Brazilian people are satisfied that
interface to locate resources from different libraries. we have done something in seven months that has
c) That there are too many different approaches to tackle taken other countries years to do,” said Lula on the
interoperability. pension reform amendment. “The last president of Brazil
d) That there is still strong resistance to the issue of spent eight years trying to get a social security reform
interoperability. bill through Congress.”
While the president is riding high over his win with
According to a survey conducted by Gartner Group and pensions, analysts see a much tougher field to hoe in
the investment banking group Soundview Technology, the coming months.
Inc., technology budgets of U.S businesses will rise 1.5 Next on the Lula administration agenda is taxes, a fight
percent in 2002 over 2001 budgets. For 2001, IT that will not only be waged in the capital, but at the state
spending at these companies was 2.5 percent higher and local levels as well.
when compared to 2000 levels, but it was down from a Governors, who backed Lula’s pension proposal in
planned 8 percent increase. “We expected a slowdown Congress, want to see additional revenue tickle down
on the rate of budget growth,” says Al Case, senior vice to the local levels. The president, however, insists on
president of Gartner Group. “I was surprised that it was “tax reform designed to stimulate production, not to
still positive forCIO Dec 2001). boost revenue” for the states, as he put it on Monday.

479. According to the text: … 481. According to the text, Brazil’s president Luiz
a) Technology budgets have risen by 1.5 percent in 2001 Inácio Lula da Silva …
over 2000. a) pretends to have revoked an amendment proposed
b) The level of IT spending at the companies surveyed by the former Brazilian president.
was less in 2000 than in 2001. b) might submit a controversial amendment that
c) There was an unexpected 8 percent increase in revamps the nation’s pension policy.
investment in 2001 as compared to 2000. c) has postponed a major political battle related to the
d) The rate of budget growth is still expected to be nation’s pension policy.
positive next year. d) conceals his feeling of pride in relation to his
accomplishments.
WEB DEVELOPER.COM GUIDE TO CREATING WEB e) did not conceal his elation concerning a political
CHANNELS by Lee Purcell reviewed by Deborah Wiley accomplishment.
for Database, Feb. 1999
This book sheds more light on such technology, focusing 482. According to the author, analysts …
on the three major technologies, Microsoft’s Active a) foresee difficulties.
Channels, Netscape’s Netcaster and Backweb’s b) predict victories.
InfoCenter. In particular, this book provides some details c) forecast gains.
on software that can help you develop channels, with d) praise Lula’s victory.
updates posted on the Web site listed earlier. This book e) triggered political reactions.
does not go into quite as much detail on using and
developing channels, although it certainly provides 483. Brazil’s president intends to …
plenty of information to get you started. a) deregulate production.
b) slash the budget.
480. According to the review, the book gives less c) increase revenue.
emphasis to: … d) fight another war.
a) Software. e) state legal requirements.
b) Web site lists.
c) The use of channels TAX STRATEGIES FOR 2003 AND BEYOND
d) Technology. (AFRF 2003)

ANALYSIS: BRAZIL’S LULA FACES NEW PHASE Even the accountants are having a hard time keeping
(AFRF 2003) all the phase-ins and phase-outs straight after the last
tax law change (the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
In a speech last week from the capital, Brazil’s president Reconciliation Act of 2003, which was signed by
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appeared to balloon with pride President Bush on May 28, 2003). Our Tax Act Timeline
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 43

can help you take maximum advantage of income, gift, and on any product purchased through an online auction
and estate tax laws. anywhere in the 15-member bloc of nations.
Almost everyone will see a decrease in overall tax paid The VAT tax is nothing new for some Net firms.
in 2003. The ordinary income tax brackets that were European dot-coms have been charging customers VAT
due to decrease gradually over time until 2006 have since their inception. Their overseas rivals though have
been accelerated into 2003. The top tax bracket is now been exempt, making foreign firms an obvious choice
35%. for the bargain-hunting consumer.
Watch out for how those income tax brackets change
over time, however. For example, in 2003- 2004 the 487. The opening paragraph of the text …
10% bracket applies to $0-$7,000 of income for single a) emphasizes the need to tax digital sales.
filers and $0-$14,000 for married filing jointly. But in b) foresees a global economic downturn.
2005, the brackets shrink and only $0-$6,000 (single) c) refers to tax as something annoying.
will quality for the 10% tax and $0-$12,000 for married d) defines a future increase in digital sales.
filing jointly. The brackets change again (back to the e) outlines the profit globally made.
higher levels) in 2008.
488. According to the text, all Internet firms are
484. The author refers to the Jobs and Growth Tax required to …
Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 as … a) obey a new EU official order.
a) likely to be signed. b) prevent taxation in certain cases.
b) an achievable change. c) save in tax payments.
c) officially accepted. d) relocate their headquarters.
d) a changeable tax law. e) apply for tax exemption.
e) having been changed.
489. The author states that the VAT (value-added
485. According to the author, in 2003 almost tax) has been …
everybody’s total tax bill will show … a) lowered.
a) a sharp fall. b) lifted.
b) a reduction. c) forbidden.
c) a steep rise. d) reduced.
d) a balance. e) charged.
e) an increase.
490. Concerning the European profit made by the
486. The authr points out … overseas Internet retailers, it …
a) the difficulties faced by accountants in setting sensible a) may be re-invested.
tax brackets. b) may be affected.
b) the urgent need to change the last tax law. c) must be spent.
c) the government’s decision to increase tax brackets d) shall be cut.
in 2005. e) might remain high.
d) a certain number of changes concerning tax brackets.
e) the need to be married so as to qualify for the 10% BRAZIL: ONE GROWTH OBSTACLE AFTER
tax bracket. ANOTHER

EU LAW TAXES OVERSEAS NET FIRMS After just eight months in office, President Luiz Inácio
(AFRF 2003) Lula da Silva of the left-wing Workers’ Party
has won congressional approval for economically critical
They’ve survived the bursting of the tech bubble, a global and politically controversial pension and tax reforms.
economic downturn and the occasional virus, but now Now, however, da Silva faces a bigger challenge:
overseas Internet retailers may see their European profit reviving Brazil’s economy. In 2003’s first half, Brazil’s
push derailed by one of the oldest drags on business: economy fell into recession. Most economists expect
tax. On July 1, a new EU (European Union) directive growth for the entire year to be a miserly 1%. And a
goes into effect requiring all Internet firms to account government linked research group recently
for value-added tax, or VAT, on “digital sales”. embarrassed ministers by predicting growth of just 0.5%
The law adds a 15 to 25 percent levy on select Internet in 2003.
transactions such as software and music downloads, Taxes are a serious obstacle to growth. Brazil’s tax
monthly subscriptions to an Internet service provider burden is among the highest in the world, equal to 41.7%
of salaries. Reforms now proceeding through Congress
44 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

will simplify the tax system, but won’t reduce the total meetings that have dominated the Mexican beach resort
burden. That will be possible only if interest rates fall of Cancun since Wednesday.
and the government can keep spending in check, Thanks to tough negotiating by the G21, analysts believe
thereby reducing the amount of money needed to pay that the world’s two most powerful economic blocs have
its own debts. For now, Brazil’s economy is going been prevented from riding roughshod over the 100-
nowhere. plus countries that make up the developing world. It
(By Jonathan Wheatley in São Paulo – adapted. has also enhanced the reputation of Brazil - the leading
From: Business Week September 10, 2003) voice in the G21 and the country with the largest
democratic support for any left-wing government in the
491. The picture of the current Brazilian economy world - and the administration led by the uneducated
given by this article is … steelworker Lula da Silva.
a) highly optimistic. “We have gained the political initiative,” said Mr Amorim
b) guardedly hopeful. on the fringes of the conference.
c) unremittingly positive. (From: The Independent September 15th 2003 –
d) faintly negative. slightly adapted.)
e) distinctly bleak.
495. The expression “forged” in the first paragraph
492. According to the text, a think tank recently of the text could best be defined as …
caused the government some embarrassment by a) misled.
predicting … b) broken down.
a) lower growth than most other economists had c) set up.
forecast. d) made off with.
b) cynicism over the government’s tax reform program. e) falsified.
c) one of the highest tax burdens in the world.
d) stubbornly high interest rates for bank loans. 496. According to the text, G21 is a group involved
e) further cuts in the national interest rates for loans. in trade talks, and it aims to …
a) bring up new trump cards in Mexico negotiations.
493. The advantage of the proposed tax reform b) offset the bargaining power of the USA and the EU.
measures is … c) shore up the power of the WTO to do deals.
a) particularly fast progress through Congress. d) lead over 100 countries to victory in the talks.
b) a proposed 41.7% reduction in taxation. e) enhance the power of Brazil internationally.
c) a welcome simplification of the tax system.
d) the prospect of controlling high inflation. 497. In relation to Brazil, the G 21 is expected to …
e) further political support for the government a) reinforce the President’s left-wing tendencies.
b) override national decisions of smaller powers.
494. According to the last section of the text, c) make it the leading voice in the WTO.
taxation will only be reduced if … d) leave it on the fringes of the conference.
a) there are strong signs of growing inflation. e) bring additional prestige to the country.
b) Congress passes the new taxation reform bill.
c) Brazil’s economy goes nowhere soon. VIRTUES OF VICE - THE REWARDS FROM
d) the sum needed to meet public debt is reduced. INVESTING IN POLITICALLY INCORRECT
e) income tax bills cease to be such a heavy burden. COMPANIES (TRF 2003)

HOW THE WORLD’S POOR CHANGED REGRETTABLE though it may be, the wages sin can
DYNAMICS OF GLOBAL POLITICS (AFRF 2003) be well worth having. Vice Fund, a mutual fund started
14 months ago by Mutuals.com, Dallas investment
A new alliance of some of the world’s poorest countries company, is profiting nicely what some would consider
forged during the last week’s global trade talks has the wickedest corners of the legitimate economy:
changed the entire dynamics of world politics, the foreign alcohol, arms, gambling and tobacco. So far this year,
minister of Brazil told The Independent yesterday. Vice Fund
In an exclusive interview, Celso Amorim said the returned 17.2% to investors, beating both the 500
formation of the Group of 21 nations (G21) had (15.2%) and the Dow Jones industrial average (13.2%)
“reshuffled the cards” by creating a powerful by a few points.
counterweight to Washington and Brussels. The In fact, all four vice-ridden sectors have outperformed
creation of the G21 has been one of the most significant the overall American market during the past five years.
developments of the World Trade Organisation “No matter what the economy’s state or how interest
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 45

rates move, people keep drinking, smoking and


gambling,” says Ahrens, a portfolio manager at the self-
described “socially irresponsible” fund. With President
George Bush pursuing a muscular foreign policy, the
outlook for defence spending is also bright.
(From: The Economist October 30th 2003)

498. According to the text, Vice Fund …


a) is concerned with stamping out illegal vices.
b) deals with illicit assets in the grey economy.
c) has attracted 17.2% of the legitimate investors.
d) profits from human addictions and conflicts.
e) is barely worth serious attention from investors.

499. The text points out that Vice Fund has …


a) proved a good investment for its shareholders.
b) outperformed smoking, drinking and gambling.
c) had mutually regrettable fund results.
d) found popularity with portfolio managers.
e) been promoted in wicked corners of Dallas.

500. The word “muscular” (paragraph 2), last


implies that US foreign policy is …
a) peaceable.
b) belligerent.
c) athletic.
d) protective.
e) well-formed.
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 46

Comentários
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 47

INGLÊS
1. Comentário: A tradução da sentença com a 8. Comentário: Aqui utilizamos o superlativo de
alternativa D preenchendo as lacunas é: “Em 1 de superioridade já que a tradução da sentença é: “Aquele
outubro de 2001, Ronald Reagan de 90 anos de idade é o maior carro que eu já vi.”, ou seja, é o maior de
se tornou o mais velho ex-presidente dos EUA na todos, desse modo, utilizamos o superlativo de
história.” A pegadinha está no fato de que adjetivos superioridade.
não tomam a forma de plural. Isso, também, acontece Alternativa: B
com os adjetivos compostos.
Alternativa: D 9. Comentário: A tradução da sentença com a
alternativa A é: “Na minha opinião, inglês é uma das
2. Comentário: A tradução da sentença com a mais fáceis línguas do mundo.” Mais uma vez utilizamos
alternativa C preenchendo as lacunas é: “Nos anos 60, o superlativo de superioridade, pois estamos
o temor radical da América pelo Comunismo fez com comparando um idioma (inglês) com todos os outros
que a nação se envolvesse em uma guerra no Vietnan idiomas do mundo.
que, em 1954, tinha sido dividido em Vietnan do Sul e Alternativa: A
a República Comunista do Vietnan do Norte.
Alternativa: C 10. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a
alternativa D preenchendo as lacunas é: “Quanto mais
3. Comentário: A tradução da sentença utilizando-se ele trabalha, mais rico ele fica.” As outras alternativas
a alternativa A para preencher as lacunas: “Margaret não fazem sentido.
Thatcher deu a luz a uma sociedade de Yuppies de Alternativa: D
telefone celular, uma nova classe extraída de um
cruzamento de outras classes, experiências e 11. Comentário: Temos, aqui, uma típica sentença
educação”. A palavra “other” não apresenta plural subordinada. Quando temos um e exemplo desse,
quando está sendo utilizada como adjetivo. devemos ter em mente que quando uma das sentenças
Alternativa: A estiver no passado a outra deverá estar no condicional
(futuro do pretérito). Dado isso a alternativa D é a
4. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a correta. A tradução da sentença é: “Se o governo
alternativa D preenchendo as lacunas: “Se você tivesse quisesse controlar a inflação ele deveria(should) cortar
investido mais dinheiro no mercado de ações no ano custos.”
passado, você teria feito muito dinheiro. Alternativa: D
Alternativa: D
12. Comentário: Toda vez que um verbo for precedido
5. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a de uma preposição, ele deverá tomar a forma do
alternativa E preenchendo as lacunas: “Meu chefe odeia gerúndio (-ING), porém será traduzido como infinitivo.
minha fumaça no escritório. Ele deseja que eu pudesse Acompanhe a tradução da sentença do exercício em
parar de fumar de uma vez por todas”. O segredo dessa questão: “O diretor está cansado de corrigir seus erros.”
questão é o fato de que o verbo “to stop” exige que o Alternativa: B
verbo, que vem logo após a ele, tome a forma do
gerúndio para ter o significado que faça sentido à 13. Comentário: A voz passiva da sentença “Our
sentença. company exported goods to Europe.” (Nossa empresa
Alternativa: E exportou bens para Europa.) é: “Bens foram exportados
para a Europa pela nossa empresa.”(Goods were
6. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a exported to Europe by our company).
alternativa E preenchendo as lacunas: “Ligar a TV a Alternativa: D
esta hora significa que você não achará nada para
assistir, exceto jogos e novelas”. 14. Comentário: A tradução das seguintes palavras
Alternativa: E estão no item D. É uma típica questão de prova onde o
candidato(a) é testado(a) no que tange seu
7. Comentário: O caso genitivo (’) mostra a posse de conhecimento de vocabulário específico. No caso
algo. Quando algo é possuido por várias pessoas (no desse exercício foram escolhidas algumas palavras
exercício é mencionada apenas uma casa) o ’s é capciosas.
colocado somente no último elemento. Alternativa: D
Alternativa: C
48 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

15. Comentário: Dos verbos oferecidos o único que 23. Comentário: Aqui deve se prestar atenção na
expressa probabilidade é o verbo MAY. Outro verbo é o tradução da sentença “Could you go to the drugstore to
o MIGHT. buy some ………., please?” (Você poderia ir à farmácia
Alternativa: B para comprar um pouco de ……….., por favor?). A única
coisa que se compra em farmácias é aspirina.
16. Comentário: O verbo MUST seguido de NOT Alternativa: A
expressa proibição.
Alternativa: C 24. Comentário: Devemos nos basear na resposta (It’s
behind the desk = Está atrás da mesa.) para
17. Comentário: Algumas pessoas podem ter escolhermos a alternativa correta. Tradução da
assinalado a alternativa A, porém, LIKE significa COMO sentença com a alternativa correta é: “Onde (where)
em termos de comparação e não a palavra com o está o cesto de lixo? Ele está atrás da mesa.
sentido de NA FUNÇÃO DE. Alternativa: C
Alternativa: B
25. Comentário: Nesta questão verifica-se uma
18. Comentário: Traduções das palavras SINCE e sentença que expressa uma permissão. Analise a
FOR são, respectivamente, DESDE e FAZ; HÁ. São tradução sem o verbo na lacuna: “Mr. Silva …….. ir
as duas palavras características que utilizamos para aos EUA porque ele tem um visto de 10 anos.” Nota-se
expressar algo que ocorreu no passado e vem até o que por ter um visto de 10 anos ele tem permissão
presente. para ir até lá. O único verbo das alternativas que
Alternativa: B expressa permissão é o CAN.
Alternativa: B
19. Comentário: Não se deixe enganar pela
semelhança de pronúncia e escrita das palavras THE 26. Comentário: A tradução da sentença com a
BEST e THE BADDEST, ambas estão incorretas. Na alternativa B preenchendo as lacunas é: “Estamos
verdade THE BEST significa O MELHOR e THE muito ocupados agora. Não podemos atender o telefone
BADDEST não existe. Bad significa MAU e seu agora.”
superlativo é THE WORST. Alternativa: B
Alternativa: C
27. Comentário: A tradução da sentença utilizando-se
20. Comentário: A tradução da sentença com a a alternativa C para preencher as lacunas: “Ela gostaria
alternativa B preenchendo as lacunas é: “Ele passou a de comer um delicioso sanduíche. Ela tem que comprar
noite inteira conversando com o Paul and Mary. Ele presunto e queijo.
estava conversando com eles sobre política e religião.” Alternativa: C
Utilizamos o pronome do caso oblíquo (them, no caso)
após verbos e preposições. A preposição ABOUT é 28. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a
famosa e significa SOBRE, A RESPEITO DE. alternativa A preenchendo a lacuna: “Meus pais querem
Alternativa: B viajar para o exterior, então eles têm que levar seus
passaportes ao consulado e embaixada.
21. Comentário: A palavra CAREFULLY é um advérbio Alternativa: A
e por isso exprime uma qualidade à uma ação (no caso
“gastar dinheiro”). A tradução da sentença fica “Pessoas 29. Comentário: O verbo TO TYPE sempre foi
deveriam gastar seu dinheiro cuidadosamente”. ensinado nas escolas de inglês como DATILOGRAFAR,
Alternativa: A porém tal palavra tem uma versão mais moderna
(DIGITAR).
22. Comentário: Sufixos são partículas que são Alternativa: B
adicionadas às palavras no seu final. Os únicos sufixos
estão na alternativa C. ABLE expressa a idéia de “capaz 30. Comentário: Quando um verbo é o sujeito da
de”. LY é, normalmente utilizado para transformar um oração, ele leva sua forma de gerúndio. A lacuna deve
adjetivo em advérbio (Cuidado! Nem sempre uma ser preenchida pela alternativa C. Desse modo a
palavra que apresenta esse sufixo é um advérbio, ou tradução da sentença é: “Digitar cartas, relatórios e
seja, há algumas exceções. Consulte um livro de memorandos é uma tarefa da secretária.
gramática para mais detalhadas explicações.). O sufixo Alternativa: C
FUL significa CHEIO DE. O oposto de FUL é LESS.
Alternativa: C 31. Comentário: A única resposta plausível para
tradução da sentença com a alternativa D preenchendo
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 49

as lacunas é: “Nós dizemos “tchau” quando nós saímos 40. Comentário: Como explicado no item 36, o verbo
(leave). É uma típica questão que exige o conhecimento HAVER é conjugado no singular ou plural, em inglês. A
básico do idioma. palavra CLOUDS (NUVENS) está no plural. Desse
Alternativa: A modo se traduzirmos a sentença sem preencher a
segunda coluna teremos: “Há nuvens escuras no céu,
32. Comentário: A única palavra que completa …….. chover.” Nota-se que precisamos de um verbo
corretamente a lacuna é “every”. A tradução da que expressa probabilidade e, o único que se encaixa
sentença é: “Todos os dias eu me levanto cedo.” é o verbo MIGHT (PODE).
Alternativa: B Alternativa: B

33. Comentário: A preposição utilizada após o verbo 41. Comentário: Típica sentença de voz passiva. A
TO GO é TO. Quem vai, vai A/PARA “algum lugar” e, forma do verbo que dá sentido à sentença é
em inglês, utiliza-se a preposição TO. LUBRICATED (LUBRIFICADO). Observe a tradução
Alternativa: C final: “A máquina deveria ser lubrificada todas a
semanas”.
34. Comentário: Mesma explicação do item 12. Alternativa: A
AFTER, neste caso é uma preposição.
Alternativa: C 42. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a
alternativa A é: “Mike está com fome e sede. Ele
35. Comentário: Tradução da sentença com a gostaria de comer e beber algo.”
alternativa C preenchendo as lacunas: “Eu uso um Alternativa: A
gravador para gravar a aula. Como se vê na sentença,
existe a partícula TO e desse modo basta adicionar o 43. Comentário: A palavra DESPITE significa APESAR
verbo no infinitivo sem o TO. DE é a única que dá sentido à frase. Observe a tradução
Alternativa: C da sentença: “Apesar de ser rico, ele não gasta dinheiro
com coisas caras”.
36. Comentário: O verbo “HAVER” em inglês é Alternativa: A
conjugado em sua forma singular e plural,
diferentemente do português onde tal verbo é 44. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
impessoal. Sempre que estiver expressando a idéia de “Retornando de uma viagem ao exterior de pelo menos
EXISTIR será conjugado no SINGULAR. Pois bem, no dois dias”) Pergunta fácil. Basta traduzir a primeira linha
caso da sentença desse exercício, o verbo deve (ao traduzir a primeira linha literalmente, você já
concordar com SEVERAL PROBLEMS que está no consegue entender o sentido da sentença. Nas partes
plural. em que a tradução não ficou boa, basta inverter a
Alternativa: A posição das palavras) e saber um pouco de matemática
(48 horas = 2 dias). Isto, aliás, tem sido minha dica
37. Comentário: O verbo dessa sentença deve, ultimamente: não vá errar uma questão por causa de
obrigatoriamente estar conjugado no passado por conversões matemáticas como esta ou por causa de
causa do advérbio LAST SUNDAY (DOMINGO conhecimento geral. Na maioria das vezes são dados
PASSADO). Das alternativas apresentadas somente textos que tratam de assuntos atuais ou de caráter
BOUGHT é a forma correta do passado do verbo TO muito famoso. Fique atento ao que acontece na
BUY. atualidade.
Alternativa: A Alternativa: B

38. Comentário: A palavra BUT (conjunção 45. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = Um
adversativa) mostra que a tradução da frase fica correta montante definido é permitido na isenção de $400,00).
quando utilizamos a palavra ALSO (também) na lacuna, Você encontra a resposta na última linha do segundo
observe: “Você me ensina inglês, mas eu também tenho parágrafo. Note que a seqüência das palavras na
aulas com outro professor.” sentença em inglês é idêntica à seqüência. Veja a
Alternativa: C sentença do texto que nos dá esta informação: “No
more than one liter of alcoholic beverages may be
39. Comentário: A tradução da expressão DUE TO é included in the $400.00 exemption.” (Não mais do que
DEVIDO. um litro de bebidas alcoólicas pode ser incluído na
Alternativa: A isenção de $400,00")
Alternativa: A
50 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

46. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = São 51. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
concedidos o direito à específicas isenções Crescer). Esta questão é um simples exercício de
alfandegárias.). Nos dois primeiros parágrafos são conhecimento de vocabulário.
dadas informações que nos mostram isto. Por exemplo: Alternativa: A
“Não mais do que um litro de bebidas alcoólicas pode
ser incluído na isenção de $400,00”, “Todas as compras 52. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
feitas em Cuba não podem exceder $100.00”, “Somente Inflação.). O autor diz que houve apenas uma recessão
maiores de 21 anos de idade podem trazer bebidas nos últimos 16 anos e que trouxe, entre outras coisas,
alcoólicas” etc. Muitos candidatos erraram ao responder uma inesperada baixa inflação. Pois bem, com isto ele
a alternativa E. Esta não é uma resposta correta porque quer dizer que em um período de recessão espera-se
o texto diz que as pessoas não podem exceder em inflação alta. Pensando de forma inversa, em uma
$100,00 em tudo que eles comprarem em Cuba e não economia em expansão espera-se que haja inflação
só no que tange charutos. Esta alternativa, também, que é o que coloca a pergunta.
está incorreta porque ela diz que os residentes Alternativa: C
“DEVERIAM” comprar charutos cubanos, mas não
exceder $100,00" e o texto diz que o presidente “PODE” 53. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
comprar charutos. (Palavra chave: entitled = Ter a Está suportando o déficit.). A última linha do texto diz:
concessão a algo). “O governo está tomando menos dinheiro emprestado
Alternativa: D e a saúde da economia está sustentando o déficit.”
Alternativa: E
47. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = É
uma das principais vantagens). Na primeira frase do 54. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
parágrafo 1 é dito que “A revolução do microchip é / Otimismo qualificado.). Apesar de ser uma questão
está baseada em tamanho e custo”, ou seja, basta subjetiva, entende-se como um otimismo qualificado,
traduzir a frase e você terá a resposta. porque se sabe dos possíveis problemas que possam
Alternativa: A advir de uma economia em expansão. Não é um
otimismo emocional e irreverente. Está embasado em
48. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = fatos reais.
Serão naturalmente excluídos do mercado mundial Alternativa: D
livre.). O segundo parágrafo diz: “Temos que aceitar o
microchip ou encarar a alternativa de optar em ficar 55. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
fora do mercado mundial livre. Reduz estresse.). No primeiro parágrafo (segunda
Alternativa: C linha) o autor diz: “Na verdade, exercício regular parece
ser uma poderosa atividade anti-estresse”.
49. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = “O Alternativa: D
uso impróprio das informações contidas nos arquivos
de computador.). O parágrafo 4 diz que “Podemos nos 56. Comentário: Tradução da alternativa correta =
guardar contra alguns dos problemas, podemos, por positivamente afetados pelo exercício.
exemplo, estarmos alerta ao perigo da má utilização Alternativa: A
das informações mantidas em arquivos de
computador.” Esta questão apresenta uma pequena 57. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
pegadinha. Muitos candidatos responderam a também inclui os resultados de um estudo.). No
alternativa C. Esta alternativa, porém, diz “O uso segundo parágrafo o autor menciona o estudo feito com
impróprio dos microchips”. O texto não diz coisa alguma dois grupos de estudantes. Um deles foi submetido a
sobre a má utilização dos microchips, mas sim, das um programa de exercícios de 14 semanas, enquanto
INFORMAÇÕES CONTIDAS NELES. CUIDADO ! o outro não.
Alternativa: D Alternativa: B

50. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = Seu 58. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta =
atual déficit de conta). No último parágrafo (primeira pode resultar em um aumento na longevidade.). Em
linha) o autor diz que Robert Siddles está preocupado nenhum momento os sindicatos foram mencionados.
(concerned) com atual (current) déficit de conta que Alternativa: C
está consumindo aproximadamente 5% do produto
interno bruto.) 59. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = não
Alternativa: B precisamos nos exercitar todos os dias.). Esta é uma
típica questão que exige do candidato o conhecimento
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 51

de expressões idiomáticas. No texto é dito que: “It is 67. Comentário: Esta questão é motivo de muita
much better in my view to devote no more than half an polêmica em sala de aula. A tradução da alternativa E
hour every other day to do exercises” (“É muito melhor é: “mais fácil de se entender”. O texto deixa claro que
na minha visão, dedicar não mais do que meia hora, as mudanças propostas deixam o código tributário (tax
dia sim, dia não para se fazer exercícios.”), ou seja, a code) mais fácil de se compreender. O item de maior
chave para se matar essa questão reside na expressão polêmica é o item D, e por que? “Too simple”: significa
“every other day” que significa: “dia sim, dia não”. Muitos “simples demais, excessivamente simples”. A palavra
candidato(as) que não conheciam essa expressão “too”, antes de um adjetivo significa “demais, em
erraram essa questão. demasia, em excesso” e, por isso, não representa a
Alternativa: A idéia expressa pelo texto. Não se preocupe se você
não acertou essa questão, pois muitos candidatos
60. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = que também foram pegos de surpresa.
vale a pena.). No último parágrafo o autor diz que fazer Alternativa: E
exercícios pode consumir muito tempo, mas o
sentimento de estar em forma e saudável, compensa 68. Comentário: A sentença “…In general, the reform
os poucos minutos que se leva para se exercitar por plan would reduce taxes on individual and increase them
dia. on corporations.” (No geral o plano de reforma reduziria
Alternativa: D os impostos para as pessoas físicas e os aumentaria
para as empresas.), é o ponto do texto que nos mostra
61. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = que a alternativa correta é a D (aumentar impostos
exercícios físicos devem ser evitados por aqueles que sobre as empresas.)
não têm prazer neles.). Em nenhum momento é dito Alternativa: D
isto no texto.
Alternativa: B 69. Comentário: Na sentença “… distinction that the
plan was the Treasury’s, not the Administration’s.” (…
62. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = distinção de que o plano era do Tesouro e não da
sindicatos.). Em nenhum momento os sindicatos foram Administração”), fica claro quem é responsável pelo
mencionados. plano. Lembre-se que o ‘s expressa a posse de algo e,
Alternativa: B nessa, alternativa expressa de quem é verdadeiramente
o plano de reforma.
63. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = Alternativa: B
impostos.). Esta é uma típica questão que exige do
candidato o conhecimento de sinônimos. 70. Comentário: Para começo de conversa, as
Alternativa: E alternativas A, B e D expressam a mesma coisa, porém
usando palavras diferentes. A sentença que mostra que
64. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = não as faixas de incidência (tax brackets) serão reduzidas
vai sobreviver por muito tempo.). A palavra “numbered” é “The 16 tax brackets for individual would be replaced
significa “com os dias contados”. Outra questão que by only 3,…” (As 16 faixas de incidência para pessoas
exigia conhecimento de vocabulário. físicas serão substituídas por apenas 3,…).
Alternativa: D Alternativa: C

65. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = não 71. Comentário: O texto é muito claro quando
foi capaz de chegar a um acordo.). A última frase do menciona que está havendo uma “revolução na
primeiro parágrafo diz “Uma comissão do congresso indústria de serviços financeiros”. Outra razão é o fato
que “era” para resolver o assunto acabou em um de no parágrafo só fala sobre a compra de bancos e
empasse mais cedo este ano.” como os bancos estrangeiros dominam o mercado de
Alternativa: C depósitos e empréstimos.
Alternativa: D
66. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa correta = é
um dos impostos mais impopulares.). O verbo “To revil” 72. Comentário: O parágrafo diz que os Argentinos
significa: “Fazer injúrias, excomungar, criticar, guardavam dólares em lugares secretos em suas
amaldiçoar”. Mais uma questão que exige casas, ao passo que os brasileiros aprenderam a viver
conhecimento de vocabulário. com a inflação indexando preços.
Alternativa: D Alternativa: C
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73. Comentário: O texto é claro quando diz que os contrário do significado do adjetivo ou advérbio.
bancos na Argentina não desenvolveram muito porque Portanto, os cidadãos não estão cientes.
os argentinos compravam dólares e os guardavam em Alternativa: E
casa, ao passo que os bancos brasileiros necessitavam
de tecnologia sofisticada para captar e investir dinheiro 80. Comentário: Nesta questão a solução correta está
instantaneamente. em saber a combinação correta do início com o final
Alternativa: E da sentença. New York City tem déficits fiscais e pode
ter que fazer o empréstimo para solucionar seu
74. Comentário: A resposta desta questão baseia-se problema.
no último parágrafo, com as previsões do Banco Central Alternativa: C
com taxas de inflação mais baixas em 2002 e 2003. A
palavra “confidence” aparece duas vezes no texto, 81. Comentário: O autor expressa sua opinião na
anteriormente, o que causa confusão e leva o candidato última sentença, quanto a empréstimos para cobrir
menos cauteloso a optar, erroneamente, pela despesas rotineiras ao invés de aquisições de bens
alternativa “a”. duradouros.
Alternativa: D Alternativa: A

75. Comentário: Esta questão é relativamente fácil, 82. Comentário: Pegadinha! No texto aparece o valor
mesmo para aqueles menos preparados, porque as “$4 billion” que se refere a pagamentos de dívidas da
palavras são semelhantes às do texto e por se tratar cidade e do estado, cada. Portanto, somados os
de uma situação recente de conhecimento da grande valores, a importância correta é “$8 billion”.
maioria. Alternativa: D
Alternativa: A
83. Comentário: Esta questão requer conhecimento
76. Comentário: Apesar de parecer óbvia a resposta, de vocabulário. To weather é um verbo pouco conhecido
foram usadas frases diferentes com o mesmo e significar “resisitir a”. Felizmente, quatro alternativas
significado (“the government expects Brazil’s inflation....” contém palavras semelhantes ao português e,
e “...inflation target is 5.5 per cent”). Números nas conforme o contexto, pode-se chegar à conclusão
questões iguais ao texto podem indicar uma correta. “Avoid” significa “evitar”, que é o verbo que
“pegadinha”, mas não foi o caso. mais se aproxima ao verbo to weather.
Alternativa: C Alternativa: A

77. Comentário: Grande possibilidade de confusão 84. Comentário: A tarefa das agências que avaliam e
devido à ambigüidade da palavra “power”, que pode determinam o crédito é estimar imparcialmente, o nível
significar, tanto “poder político” como “energia”. Como de risco das ações de específicas empresas. Apesar
há uma crise de poder na América Latina e todas as de não estar explicitamente definido no texto, essas
frases representam “verdades”, a opção correta foi agências são uma espécie de SPC para as Ltdas e
deixada para a última posição, que certamente, “pegou” SAs - empresas que emitem ações. E essas agências
aqueles que não lêem todas as alternativas. são consultadas para informar a situação do crédito
Alternativa: E das empresas.
Alternativa: C
78. Comentário: Todas as alternativas parecem
verdadeiras à primeira vista, mas uma consideração 85. Comentário: No caso da Enron, como
mais cuidadosa mostra que a opção “b” é a única que acompanhamos em notícias, todos foram pegos de
está realmente no texto. As outras são apenas más surpresa e as agências não estavam cientes quanto à
interpetações utilizando um jogo de palavras que situação da empresa. As outras opções apresentam
aparecem no texto. A palavra “please”, refere-se termos específicos que alteram o significado aparente
também, ao verbo To please (= agradar, satisfazer). A da questão (suddenly changed - investors illegally -
tradução da alternativa é: “satisfazer as pessoas de allowed . . . to rise . . . rapidly - . . . wanted to dominate
negócios (empresários) e ganhar suporte (apoio) para . . .).
o governo. Alternativa: D
Alternativa: B
86. Comentário: Na linha 5, a sentença que inicia com
79. Comentário: “But few citizens..... know” é a chave. “Stung by a precipitous downgrade. . .” significa que a
“Aware” é estar ciente. O prefixo “un” nega ou indica o empresa Tycos levou uma ferroada (sting - stang - stung
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 53

= ferroar - literal e figurativo) com o rebaixamento 94. Comentário: A expressão “technology-driven


repentino do seu índice de crédito. growth” significa “crescimento impulsionado pela
Alternativa: B tecnologia”. O crescimento sustentado pela inovação
tecnológica é o tema do livro escrito pelos dois
87. Comentário: Esta questão refere-se à relação entre economistas liberais.
o valor de uma nota emitida por uma empresa e o índice Alternativa: C
de crédito dessa empresa, o que determina o lastro da
nota (Linha 10 “it seems a bond’s rating...”). De acordo 95. Comentário: Em nenhum momento é mencionado
com o texto, as empresas com o índice BBB (triple-B) algo a respeito de reforma tributária. As outras 4
tinham uma variação de aproximadamente 20 pontos alternativas estão explicitamente referidas no texto.
percentuais. Hoje, essa variação aumentou seis vezes, Alternativa: D
diminuindo a credibilidade da avaliação.
Alternativa: A 96. Comentário: (Tradução do item C = está mudando
radicalmente devido a novas informações.) No meio
88. Comentário: O número exato de analistas que do primeiro parágrafo temos a seguinte sentença:
avaliam e determinam o crédito das empresas não é “Analyses of hundreds of history’s greatest thinkers have
mencionado no texto. been undertaken to identify the personality traits and
Alternativa: E life contingencies they shared. These analyses, added
to joint efforts in the cognitive sciences and
89. Comentário: No início do texto é mencionado que neurophysiology, have brought together data, which
o Mint (Casa da Moeda) americano foi criado em 2 de have shattered the traditional view of genius.” (Análises
abril de 1792. de centenas dos grandes pensadores da história têm
Alternativa: B sido feitas a fim de identificar traços de personalidade
e contingências de vida que eles compartilharam. Essas
90. Comentário: Aqui pouco tem-se a dizer, já que em análises, com esforços conjuntos das ciências
nenhum momento o departamento de energia foi cognitivas e neurofisiologia, coletaram informações que
mencionado no texto. abalaram / destruiram (shattered) a tradicional visão
Alternativa: E de gênio / super dotado...).
Alternativa: C
91. Comentário: (Tradução do item D = um corte
necessário no gasto público.). A primeira linha do 97. Comentário: (Tradução do item A = combina idéias
segundo parágrafo diz que o governo terá que reduzir e modos de percepção em uma maneira criativa.). Isto
despesas até o final do ano (“Specialists say that the é claramente expresso no parágrafo 2, veja o trecho
government would have to reduce monthly expenses extraído desse parágrafo: “…the true genius merges
immediately until the end of the year…”). disparate ideas of unrelated fields not only to answer
Alternativa: D old questions but to pose new ones. Childlike
enthusiasm, iconoclasm, introversion and synesthesia
92. Comentário: (Tradução do item B = devem ser - the combination of different modes of perception - have
levados em conta / consideração). Na sentença “The also been observed to be part of the ingredients of
main problem is that state employees’ salaries have creative genius.(… o verdadeiro gênio (super dotado)
been raised and an extra R$ 3.1 billion will have to be funde idéias díspares de campos não relacionados, não
paid next year.” (O principal problema é que o salário somente para responder antigas perguntas, mas para
dos funcionários públicos foi elevado, e um extra de fazer novas. Entusiasmo infantil, iconoclasta,
R$ 3,1 bilhões terá que ser pago no ano que vem.). É introversão e sinestesia - a combinação de diferentes
mostrado que uma quantia de R$3,1 de reais terá que modos de percepção – têm, também, sido observados
ser levada em conta. como parte dos ingredientes de um gênio / super dotado
Alternativa: B criativo.)
Alternativa: A
93. Comentário: (Tradução do item A = pode ser
atingido / alcançado.) Ao longo do texto percebe-se por 98. Comentário: (Tradução do item D = crianças nos
2 vezes que é dito que o plano é factível (feasible), ou programas educacionais mencionados não são
seja, que ele é possível de ser colocado em prática. obrigadas a marchar passo a passo com seus
Muitos(as) candidatos(as), erroneamente, assinalaram colegas.). Esta idéia está clara no trecho do terceiro
a alternativa C, porém a palavra “hardly” expressa que parágrafo a seguir: “This view has fostered the
é quase impossível atingir a meta do orçamento. development of programmes in which the individual
Alternativa: A needs of every child are met. A reaction against
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specialization also seems to be on the way: in the future, 103. Comentário: (Tradução do item B = restituível,
students may be encouraged to ‘have a go’ at different ou seja, pode ser devolvido.) No trecho que diz “The
tasks and discover previously overlooked talents.” (Esta Greeks were one of the few societies that were able to
visão tem fomentado o desenvolvimento de programas resend the tax once the emergency was over.”, ou seja,
nos quais as necessidades individuais de cada criança “Os gregos eram uma das poucas sociedades que eram
são supridas. Uma reação contra a especialização capazes de devolver (resend) o imposto, uma vez que
parece estar a caminho: no futuro os alunos podem a emergência de guerra tivesse terminada”.
ser estimulados / encorajados a ‘ter um incentivo’ em Alternativa: B
diferentes tarefas e descobrir talentos antes
despercebidos.). 104. Comentário: (Tradução do item C = derivava de
Alternativa: D ativos deixados por alguém que morreu.). A palavra
“inheritance” significa “herança”, ou seja, é uma questão
99. Comentário: (Tradução do item D = desejam que na qual se testa, se o(a) candidato(a) possui
computadores sejam úteis às pessoas.) Isso pode ser conhecimento de vocabulário específico. Caso o(a)
encontrado no trecho “…whereas women wanted candidato(a) não soubesse o significado da palavra,
machines that met people’s needs, ‘the perfect mother’, ele(a) conseguiria acertar por eliminação, já que as
ou seja, … ao passo que mulheres queriam máquinas outras alternativas estão completamente erradas. Isso,
que satisfizessem as necessidades das pessoas.” porém, exigiria a utilização de minutos preciosos que
Alternativa: D poderiam fazer falta em uma questão mais trabalhosa
ou difícil.
100. Comentário: (Tradução do item C = gostam de Alternativa: C
ser desafiados em fazer um computador funcionar
novamente.). No trecho a seguir essa idéia está 105. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa A = genética
extremamente clara, veja: “When it doesn’t, men are provavelmente determina metade dela (inteligência.).
stimulated by the challenge to get the computer working Na sua primeira resposta Edoardo diz que: “…
again.”, ou seja, “Quando não funciona, os homens são aproximadamente 50% dela (inteligência) é
estimulados pelo desafio de conseguir fazer o determinada pela genética, e a outra parte é
computador funcionar novamente.” determinada pelo meio ambiente e experiência.
Alternativa: C (“…..about 50 percent of it will be determined by
genetics, and the other portion determined by
101. Comentário: (Tradução do item A = homens e environment and experience.”).
mulheres se relacionam com a tecnologia de maneiras Alternativa: A
diferentes.) Vários pontos ilustram essa idéia. Além das
duas respostas anteriores ainda há um trecho que diz 106. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa C =
que em um estudo recente homens e mulheres foram memória está espalhada por muitas áreas do cérebro.)
solicitados a imaginar máquinas do futuro e que os Em sua segunda resposta Edoard diz que “Memória
homens imaginaram máquinas que pudessem fazê-los está distribuída por todo o cérebro.” (“Memory is
conquistar o universo, ao passo que a mulheres distributed throughout the brain.”).
imaginaram máquinas que pudessem satisfazer as Alternativa: C
necessidades das pessoas “a mãe perfeita” (... in a
recent study, men and women were asked to dream up 107. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa E = funções
machines of the future. Men typically imagined devices serão auxiliadas.) No meio de sua segunda resposta
that could help them conquer the universe, whereas Edoardo diz que “…ele não readquirirá suas lembranças
women wanted machines that met people’s needs, ‘the quando eu colocar novas células. Mas o novo implante
perfect mother’. (de células) ajudará na recuperação de sua memória e
Alternativa: A em todas as suas outras funções cerebrais.”). (“…he
won’t reacquire his memories when I put new cells in.
102. Comentário: A expressão “in charge of”, do item But the new implant will assist in the recovery of his
A, significa “encarregado de” e a tradução dessa memory and in all his other brain functions.”)
alternativa é “encarregado de cobrar os impostos.” No Alternativa: E
início do texto, é dito que os cobradores de imostos
eram conhecidos como scribes (“…tax collectors were 108. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa D = seguir
known as scribes…”). uma política de comércio externo comum.) No segundo
Alternativa: A parágrafo, há a seguinte sentença: “Mercosur’s
founders intended the group to have a common foreign-
trade policy,…”(Os fundadores do Mercosul pretendiam
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que o grupo tivesse uma política de comércio externo preocupados em se certificar que o anonimato e a
comum…”). natureza sem fronteiras da Internet não leve a uma
Alternativa: D redução na receita tributária dos governos.”. Ou seja,
que as características naturais da Internet não reduza
109. Comentários: (Tradução da alternativa E = a arrecadação do governo.
baseados em suas próprias necessidades.). Na frase Alternativa: A
“… for reasons of their own, Brazil and Argentina agreed
to increase external tariffs…” (…por razões próprias, 116. Comentário: Tradução da alternativa D: ”No
Brasil e Argentina concordaram em aumentar tarifas século XIX tributos ainda não tinham sido criados.” A
externas…”) o autor nos indica que a alternativa correta pergunta que deveria ser respondida era “o que não
é a E. reflete o conteúdo do texto?”, ou seja, a alternativa deve
Alternativa: E trazer uma informação incorreta. Ao longo do texto
(primeiro parágrafo, o autor diz que “no final do século
110. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa C = XIX, o problema era como tributar vendas pelo
algumas despesas de mudanças são dedutíveis.) A telégrafo”. Ou seja, fica implícito que impostos já
primeira linha do texto traz essa informação: “Taxpayers existiam, porém a dificuldade era como praticá-los.
who change jobs or are transferred to another job Outra indicação de que impostos já existiam no século
location during the year can deduct part of their moving XIX, é a própria citação feita em 1792 (século XVIII).
expenses.” (Contribuintes que mudam de trabalho ou Alternativa: D
são transferidos para outro local de trabalho durante o
ano podem deduzir parte de suas despesas de 117. Comentário: Tradução da alternativa C: “Causa
mudança.”) de preocupação atual.” O texto trata do problema da
Alternativa: C tributação das vendas da Internet, a partir do segundo
parágrafo, com verbos conjugados no presente. Outro
111. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa A = fator, é o fato de que a Internet tem origem no século
deduções de despesas de mudanças.). O texto inteiro XX. Outro detalhe, este texto foi pedido em uma prova
trata desse assunto, explicando, inclusive, o que pode- no século XX (até o ano 2000).
se e o que não se pode deduzir. Alternativa: C
Alternativa: A
118. Comentário: De acordo com alguns dicionários,
112. Comentário: (Tradução da alternativa E = terão a palavra “minute” significa: “minuta ou ata de uma
que ser atendidas) . O texto diz que somente pessoas reunião”. Por outro lado, também é trazido pelos
que trabalharem 39 semanas em tempo integral durante mesmos dicionários, que a palavra “minutew”, ou seja,
os primeiros 12 meses e que estejam a mais de 50 na sua forma plural significa somente “ata”. Portanto, a
milhas de distância da antiga casa é se beneficiam das alternativa correta é a C. Questão difícil, pois trata-se
deduções. de conhecimento muito específico do idioma.
Alternativa: E Alternativa: C

113. Comentário: Vamos traduzir a citação feita: “Neste 119. Comentário: No texto, o autor diz que a balança
mundo nada é certo, exceto a morte e os impostos.”. O comercial não terá muitos problemas mesmo com a
segredo desta questão é o fato da palvra “BUT” ser queda nas exportações, já que o nível das importações,
utilizada com o sentido de exceto. A maioria das também, vai cair. Nada sobre PIB e taxas de juros é
pessoas conhece a palavra “BUT” como “MAS”. A mencionado no texto. Portanto, somente a crise
tradução da alternativa E é: são as únicas certezas energética é explicitamente apontada como um dos
neste mundo (a morte e os impostos.)”. fatores do aumento do índice de inflação.
Alternativa: E Alternativa: E

114. Comentário: No segundo parágrafo o autor diz: 120. Comentário: Aqui, uma questão para aqueles que
No final do século XX a questão é como tributar estudaram gramática mais profundamente. O verbo
comércio via Internet.” A tradução da alternativa B é: anômalo “should” via de regra é utilizado expressando
“… impor tributos sobre as transações comerciais feitas “recomendação” ou “conselho”. Em sentenças que
via Internet.” expressam algo mais formal, ele pode, também ser
Alternativa: B utilizado com a idéia de “possibilidade.”
Alternativa: D
115. Comentário: No último parágrafo, o autor diz:
“Desnecessário dizer, que os governos estão
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121. Comentário: Questão de conhecimento de denomination? (Por que não dividir as crianças por meia
vocabulário específico. “Surplus” é o oposto de “déficit”, hora por dia em aulas baseadas não em idade, mas
portanto “surplus = superávit ou excedente.” em denominações religiosas?). É a única alternativa
Alternativa: B que dá sentido à sentença.
Alternativa: E
122. Comentário: Pegadinha! No texto é dito:
“Government-administered prices, however, will 130. Comentário: O autor diz, no início do texto, “When
probably be the major villains in this year’s inflation.” I first came to the United States…,”(Quando eu vim aos
(Preços administrados / controlados pelo governo, EUA pela primeira vez…). Ou seja, ele não nasceu lá
entretanto, serão provavelmente os maiores vilões na e, deste modo ele não é americano.
inflação neste ano.”). Note que os preços controlados Alternativa: A
pelo governo não significa que são as taxas de serviços
administrados pelo governo (item B), como muitos(as) 131. Comentário: Tacky significa “brega”, ou seja,
acabaram respondendo. Questão muito bem elaborada alternativa D (de gosto ruim, de mau gosto).
que pegou muita gente. Alternativa: D
Alternativa: D
132. Comentário: Ao longo do texto é largamente
123. Comentário: “Após preposições, o verbo deve comentado que um museu não precisa ser
levar a forma de gerúndio (-ING). Portanto, após a necessariamente sobre arte. A sentença “Who says a
palavra “after” devemos escrever o verbo no gerúndio. museum has to be about art? (Quem disse que um
Alternativa: E musem tem que ser sobre arte?) traz tal idéia. Outra
sentença é “The “stuff’ on display is secondary.”(O
124. Comentário: Há duas formas de se dizer que uma material exposto é secundário.). Outra sentença que
pessoa tem o salário de $6.20 por hora. Pode-se dizer expressa que um museu pode ser sobre qualquer coisa
$6.20 per hour ou $6.20 an hour. (tradução do item C) é “…curators are realizing they
Alternativa: B don’t need a Picasso to bring in the crowds. Mummies,
or shoes – or even bananas – will work just as well.
125. Comentário: Every morning he calls his (…curadores estão percebendo que eles não precisam
middleman to find out where he (3)_________ working de um Picasso para atrair uma multidão. Múmias, ou
and when. (Todas as manhãs ele liga para seu sapatos – ou até mesmo bananas – servirão da mesma
intermediário para saber onde ele estará trabalhando forma.).
e quando.). ”Esta é a única alternativa que dá sentido à Alternativa: C
sentença.
Alternativa: C 133. Comentário: Wacky significa “estranho”, ou seja,
alternativa C (weird = estranho).
126. Comentário: O segredo dessa questão é a palavra Alternativa: C
“lest” (= a fim de que não, de forma que não). Dado
isto, a tradução da sentença está na alternativa A. 134. Comentário: Até por exclusão poderia se
Alternativa: A responder essa questão. Tirando-se o item B, as outras
alternativas fogem ao bom senso. Na última linha a
127. Comentário: Texto muito bem feito onde se conta sentença “It increases fitness and energy, lowers the
a história de um lavador de janelas nas maiores risk of heart disease, releases tension and reduces
empresas de informática no Vale do Silício. Portanto, sleeplessness.”(“Aumenta o condicionamento físico e
na sentença “He washes them”, o pronome “them” se energia, o risco de doenças do coração, libera a tensão
refere às janelas. e reduz insônia.”).
Alternativa: D Alternativa: B

128. Comentário: No trecho “I found that the various 135. Comentário: O trecho “Although slower to take it
political debates in (1) _________ I got embroiled… (Eu up, the British have recently started running in greater
descobri que nos vários debates políticos nos quais eu numbers”. (Embora, mais vagarosamente os britâncos
me envolvi…”). O pronome relativo adequado é “which”. começaram a praticar…”) nos dá a idéia de que os
Alternativa: C britânicos começaram a se interessar em correr mais
tarde.”).
129. Comentário: Ao traduzirmos a sentença “Why not Alternativa: B
divide the children, for half an hour daily, into classes
based (2) __________ on age, but on religious
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136. Comentário: A sentença “In the 20th century, seeking…”(Há séculos exploradores têm vagado/
women in America have achieved substantial gains in perambulado os vastos espaços procurando …). Só
terms of social and economic equality with men -…”(No faz sentido se a alternativa D preencher a lacuna.
séc. XX, mulheres na América alcançaram / têm Alternativa: D
alcançado ganhos em termos de igualdade econômica
e social com os homens - …”) mostra a idéia expressa 144. Comentário: Aqui deve se saber que a preposição
pela alternativa B. após o verbo To worry(preocupar-se) é “about”. Aqui,
Alternativa: B exigiu-se conhecimento de regência verbal em inglês.
Quem não conhecia a regência em questão só acertaria
137. Comentário: Aqui, temos a tradução da sentença, a questão através do “chute”.
ou seja, não se trata de uma questão de interpretação Alternativa: E
de textos.
Alternativa: C 145. Comentário: Na frase “The wide open spaces are
still there; it is just that they are not quite so wide
138. Comentário: A sentença “Politics is especially nowadays. Our own perspectives have become(145)
appealing to women who wish to effect social changes.” ______________.” (Os vastos espaços abertos ainda
(Política está particularmente atraindo as mulheres que estão lá; simplesmente é o fato de que eles não são
desejam efetivar mudanças sociais.). tão vastos hoje em dia. Nossas perspectivas se
Alternativa: C tornaram mais vastas(= wider). A alternativa E traz o
adjetivo “wide” na forma de comparativo de
139. Comentário: “Were described”(foram descritos) superioridade. Desse modo a sentença fica com
é a forma do verbo no passado simples que deve ser sentido.
utilizado quando nos referímos num passado Alternativa: E
determinado (yesterday = ontem). A tradução da
sentença “The proposed demolition of 49 large houses 146. Comentário: Exige-se, aqui, o conhecimento da
in St. Agnes Place, Kennington, south London, and palavra “scarcely” (mal, quase não, dificilmente) que
Lambeth Borough Council’s plan to turn the site into tem o mesmo significado de “barely”.
open spaces, at a cost of 40,000 pounds “(1) ________ Alternativa: C
yesterday.”(A proposta demolição de 49 grandes casas
em St. Agnes, Kennington, sul de Londres, e o plano 147. Comentário: As frases: “But what are those
do Lambeth Borough Council de transformar/mudar o oceans now? Scarcely the terror they once were. (Mas,
local em locais abertos, a um custo de 40.000 libras o que são os oceanos agora/hoje em dia? Dificilmente
foram descritos ontem.”) mostra a coerência da o terror que eles já foram uma vez/um dia.) mostram
tradução com a alternativa E sendo colocada na lacuna. que os oceanos não têm o mesmo significado/
Alternativa: E importância para os viajantes. A tradução da alternativa
A é “A importância dos oceanos mudou para os
140. Comentário: Checar dicionário. Aqui, o viajantes.”).
conhecimento de vocabulário foi testado. Ou você sabe Alternativa: A
o que a palavra significa, ou chuta.
Alternativa: E 148. Comentário: A sentença “This was the first
administration to introduce government planning into
141. Comentário: Checar a tradução da sentença da the economy. “ (Essa foi a primeira administração a
alternativa E. To change = mudar. introduzir planejamento governamental na economia.).
Alternativa: E mostra essa idéia.
Alternativa: E
142. Comentário: A última sentença do texto “Under
license from the council it specializes in finding 149. Comentário: A sentença “Over the next two years,
temporary or short-life housing for the homeless.” (Sob millions of unemployed were given jobs in public works
licença do conselho, ele (o grupo) se especialize em projects, and emergency relief was provided for others
encontrar moradia temporária ou para curtos períodos in order to create greater internal demand for American
de tempo para os sem teto/desabrigados.) traz essa products.”(Ao longo dos próximos 2 anos, milhões de
informação. desempregados receberam trabalhos em projetos de
Alternativa: A obras públicas, e alívio emergencial foi provido a fim
de criar uma maior demanda interna por produtos
143. Comentário: A sentença “For centuries explorers americanos.). Explica porque a alternativa correta é a
(143)___________ the wide-open spaces C.
Alternativa: C
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150. Comentário: Nesta questão tem que se saber a 177. POLITICS = política(subst)
tradução das palavras “incomes”(renda, rendimento) e 178. POLICE = polícia
seu sinônimo “gain” (ganhos). 179. POLICY = linha de ação, estratégia(política)
Alternativa: D 180. TO LIVE = morar, viver, residir
181. TO LEAVE = sair, deixar, partir
151. Comentário: Cuidado para não confundir os 182. LEVY = tributo
nomes. La Mina é o nome de um bar e Nuevo Laredo é 183. TO HEAT = aparecer
o nome de uma cidade. A sentença que traz a 184. TO HIT = bater, socar
informação da alternativa B é: “U.S. visitors to Mexico 185. MONTH = mês
used to make this bar one of the busiest gathering 186. MOUTH = boca
places in the border city of Nuevo Laredo.”. (Visitantes 187. MONTHLY = mensal
americanos costumavam fazer deste bar um dos pontos 188. WON´T = contração de WILL NOT
de encontro mais movimentados da fronteira de Nuevo 189. WANT = querer
Laredo.). 190. WENT = passado do verbo TO GO
Alternativa: B 191. (TO) HAVE = ter, possuir
192. HEAVY = pesado(a)
152. Comentário: A sentença que traz essa informação 193. TO OWN = possuir, ter
é Business is down 70 percent, says the owner, Juan 194. TO OWE = deve
Miguel Anzaldúa. “I haven’t fired anybory yet”, he says. 195. LEVER = alavanca
“But I don’t know how much longer I can avoid it.” 196. LEVEL = nível
(Negócios cairam 70%, diz o proprietário, Juan Miguel 197. TO RESEARCH = pesquisar
Anzáldua. “Ainda não despedi ninguém, ele diz. Mas 198. TO SEARCH = procurar
não sei quanto mais tempo eu consigo evitar.”). 199. EMPLOYEE = empregado
Alternativa: C 200. EMPLOYER = empregador
201. (TO) EMPLOY = empregar
153. Comentário: Pela última sentença do texto “Many 202. EMPLOYMENT = emprego
local residents are wondering if things will ever be the 203. EVERY DAY = todos os dias
same.”(Muitos residentes locais estão querendo saber 204. EVERY OTHER DAY = dia sim, dia não (No texto
se as coisas voltarão algum dia ser as mesmas.”). 15, essa foi a expressão chave para se responder a
Alternativa: B questão 2)
205. TO AFFECT = afetar, ter influência sobre
Traduções das palavras anteriores. 206. TO EFFECT = produzir, causar
154. THOUGH = contudo 207. BOUGHT = comprou, comprado (passado e
155. ALTHOUGH = embora particípio passado de TO BUY)
156. THOUGHT = pensou, pensado (passado e 208. BOTH = ambos(as)
particípio passado de TO THINK) 209. BEEN = sido, estado
157. THROUGH = através 210. BEING = sendo, estando
158. THOROUGHÞ = completo 211. PLANE = avião
159. THROUGHOUT = por todo(a), ao longo de 212. PLAN = plano
160. DEVELOPED = desenvolvido 213. TAXES = impostos
161. DEVELOPING = em desenvolvimento 214. TAXIS = táxis
162. WORD = palavra 215. (TO) BUY = comprar
163. WORLD = mundo 216. BY = por, de (preposição)
164. TO CHANGE = mudar 217. TO LEND = emprestar
165. TO CHARGE = cobrar 218. TO RENT = alugar
166. TO EXCHANGE = mudar, trocar 219. LENT = (passado e particípio passado de TO
167. EVEN = mesmo, até mesmo LEND)
168. EVER = já, sempre 220. THAN = do que
169. WHEREAS = ao passo que 221. THEN = então
170. WHETHER = se 222. THEM = lo, la, lhes, os, as (pronomes do caso
171. (TO) WEATHER = resistir a oblíquo)
172. WEATHER = clima 223. MUST = dever, ter
173. AT LEAST = ao/pelo menos 224. MOST = a maioria, mais
174. AT LAST = finalmente 225. TO PLAY = desempenhar, jogar
175. POLITICAL = político(a) (adj) 226. TO PRAY = rezar, orar
176. POLITICIAN = político (profissão) 227. TO PAY = pagar, prestar (atenção)
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228. ON THE ONE HAND = por um lado 282. TO JEOPARDIZE = por em risco / perigo
229. ON THE OTHER HAND = por outro lado 283. PROFIT = lucro
230. IF = se 284. TO STEER = guiar, conduzir
231. OF = de, do, da 285. TARGET = meta, alvo
232. OFF = desligado 286. YEAR-END = de fim de ano (adjetivo)
233. ON TIME = no horário 287. REVENUE = receita
234. IN TIME = em tempo 288. INCOME TAX = imposto de renda
235. AT TIMES = ocasionalmente 289. TAX INCOME = renda tributária
236. EXPENSE = despesa 290. KEY = chave, principal
237. EXPENSIVE = caro(a) 291. TO BORROW = tomar / pegar emprestado
238. EXPENDITURE = gasto, despesa 292. TO LEND – LENT – LENT = emprestar
239. FORMER = antigo, ex- 293. TO RELEASE = liberar
240. FARMER = fazendeiro 294. TO REMAIN = permanecer
241. MAIN = principal 295. ON THE WAY = no caminho, na direção
242. MAN = homem 296. SHORTAGE = escassez
243. MEN = homens 297. DRAMMATICALLY = radicalmente, dramaticamente
244. THESE = este, esta, isto 298. SURPLUS = superávit, excedente
245. THERE = lá, aí 299. TO IMPROVE = melhorar
246. TREAUSRE = tesouro 300. EFFECTIVE = eficaz
247. TREASURY = Secretaria da Fazenda, Tesouro 301. DISMAL = sombrio
Nacional 302. SHIFT = mudança, troca
248. WERE = estavam, eram, foram, estiveram ... 303. NO LONGER = não mais
(verbo TO BE) 304. TO LEAD – LED – LED = liderar, guiar, conduzir
249. WHERE = onde 305. LAYOFFF = demissão
250. CUSTOMS = alfândega 306. TO ACHIEVE = alcançar
251. CUSTOMER = freguês, cliente 307. TO TIGHTEN = apertar
252. FEW = poucos(as) 308. YET = ainda, embora
253. A FEW = alguns(as) 309. EVEN THOUGH = embora
254. LATE = tarde, atrasado 310. TO CEASE = cessar, parar
255. LATEST = último(a), o(a) mais recente 311. BACKWATER = água estagnada
256. LATER = mais tarde 312. TO CHANGE = mudar, trocar
257. LAST = último 313. CUSTOMS = alfândega, alfandegário(a) (adjetivo)
258. (TO) LAST = durar(verbo) 314. FURTHER = posterior, adicional, futuro, mais
259. TEXT = texto, leitura distante
260. TEST = teste, prova 315. TO DELIVER = entregar
261. EASING BIAS = viés de baixa 316. TO RESIGN = pedir demissão
262. TO SPUR = estimular 317. FORMER = ex-, antigo
263. TO LADLE OUT = retirar 318. BEGINNING = início, começo
264. TO SHOWER = colocar, despejar 319. TREND = tendência
265. BUDGET = orçamento 320. AHEAD = à frente, perante
266. TIGHT-FISTED = pulso firme 321. BANKING SECRECY LAWS = leis de sigilo
267. TO LOOM = surgir bancário
268. RATING AGENCY = agência de classificação 322. UNPAID = não pago(a)(s)
269. ROLE = função, papel 323. REPORTEDLY = segundo consta
270. TO DEVALUE = desvalorizar 324. ELSE = mais
271. CURRENCY = moeda 325. DESPITE (IN SPITE OF) = apesar de
272. POWER = poder, energia 326. EVEN = (até) mesmo
273. TOUGH STRETCH = período difícil 327. LEFTWING = esquerda (posicionamento político)
274. FORECAST = previsão 328. RIGHTWING = direita (posicionamento político)
275. CUT = corte 329. TO SPREAD = espalhar, difundir
276. TO LIFT = elevar 330. TAX BURDEN = carga tributária
277. TO INCREASE = incrementar 331. TURMOIL = caos, distúrbio, turbilhão
278. TO RAISE = elavar 332. MINT = casa da moeda
279. TO RISE – ROSE – RISEN = subir 333. TO POUR = despejar
280. TO DECREASE = decrescer 334. TO VOW = prometer
281. TO DROP = cair, despencar 335. SPENDING = gasto
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336. HIGH-COST = de alto custo(adjetivo) promote mass vaccination losing its way? = O órgão
337. LONG-LASTING = de longa duração (adjetivo) que erradicou a varíola e fez tanto para promover
338. ALL BUT = quase vacinação em massa está perdendo terreno?)
339. YAWNING = enorme, escancarado Alternativa: A
340. GOODS = bens, produtos, mercadorias
341. AVERAGE = médio(a) (substantivo e adjetivo) 357. Comentário: No trecho “In recent weeks the
342. PROCEDURE = procedimento reputation of the World Health Organisation (WHO)
343. TO ALLOW = permitir, capacitar, habilitar has suffered a number of blows,…”(Em recentes
344. THUS = conseqüentemente semanas a reputação da OMS tem sofrido uma série
345. SUCH AS = tal / tais como de ataques,…) explica que a OMS tem sido duramenrte
346. COSTLY = custoso, caro criticada.
347. HARROWING = penoso, angustiante Alternativa: B
348. THRIVING = próspero
349. TO TAKE PLACE = acontecer, ocorrer 358. Comentário: Esta questão está respondida na
350. TO FEAR = temer, ter medo de questão 354. A tradução da alternativa completa é
351. TO AVOID = evitar “Pressões políticas estão influenciando a OMS.
352. PROBE = investigação Alternativa: A
353. REBOUND = recuperação
359. Comentário: “A única alternativa plausível é a
COMENTÁRIO GERAL SOBRE VOCABULÁRIO alternativa E. Ela é expressa nas primeiras três linhas.
EM PROVAS OFICIAIS As demais alternativas são todas descabidas.
Alternativa: E
Você notou que grande parte das palavras não aparece
em livros de cursos regulares e, por isso, preste a 360. Comentário: No texto é dito: “…to combat the
atenção a acontecimentos econômicos, políticos e increasing dissatisfaction of employees at every level
sociais que estejam ocorrendo na época das provas e with the quality of their working lives, despite higher
procure saber como se fala palavras relacionadas a salaries,…” (para combater a crescente insatisfação
tais acontecimentos. As provas são difíceis, dos empregados apesar de salários mais altos, …).
principalmente por causa do vocabulário técnico. Ou seja, nem sempre resolvem o problema da
Não descarte nenhuma palavra por achar que ela é insatisfação.
muito estranha e rara. Aí que mora o perigo. Alternativa: D

354. Comentário: O verbo “to yield” significa “render- 361. Comentário: Os trabalhadores dos escritórios
se” que é o mesmo significado do verbo utilizado no dizem que se vêem presos em um exército de escravos
texto, to bow, que significa, em termos figurados, baixar de “empurradores de papel” (a growing number of white-
a cabeça ao se curvar o corpo para a frente (como o collar workers see themselves as conscripted into a
cumprimento feito pelos japoneses). slave army of paper pusher.). Ou seja, se sentem
Alternativa: B restritos.
Alternativa: D
355. Comentário: Na última frase do texto temos a
seguinte afirmação, “But instead of being released with 362. Comentário: O autor mostra outros fatores que
a fanfare, they were summarized in three short levam à insatisfação no trabalho. Ele diz no trecho:
paragraphs and buried in a bulky WHO internal “…drabness, lack of recognition, impersonality and
document.”(Mas ao invés de ser liberada com grande apparent pointlessness of their jobs.”; ou seja,
estardalhaço, eles foram resumidos em três curtos monotonia, falta de reconhecimento, impessoalidade
parágrafos e enterrados em um volumoso documento e aparente inutilidade de seus empregos.
interno da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Alternativa: E
Tradução da alternativa B é que os resultados da
pesquisa “foram publicados somente em um 363. Comentário: Da mesma forma, o autor menciona
documento interno”. outros fatores que não resolvem a insatisfação. Veja a
Alternativa: B resposta anterior. Um outro exemplo, está na resposta
da questão 359.
356. Comentário: O verbo utilizado no texto para dizer Alternativa: C
que a OMS erradicou a varíola é “To wipe out”. O trecho
que diz isso está no primeiro parágrafo (Is the body 364. Comentário: É um sistema inovador. O autor diz
that wiped out smallpox and has done so much to no início do texto, que em 1989, em Porto Alegre, surgiu
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 61

com uma solução radical, ou seja, era tradicional, mas 373. Comentário: Questão confusa, pois não fica claro
agora é feito em novos moldes. o que o autor quer dizer com qualidades (qualities),
Alternativa: C tendências (trends) e padrões (standards). De qualquer
maneira, a resposta que mais se aproxima do que o
365. Comentário. No texto é dito, no segundo parágrafo texto exemplifica é a alternativa A, pois o autor diz no
que: “In some cases, the community delegates also terceiro parágrafo, os fatores que facilitam reformas,
oversee implementation of the final projects.” Nota-se ou seja, são padrões previsíveis.
que é dito: “Em alguns casos os representantes da Alternativa: A
comunidade, também supervisionam a implantação dos
projetos finais.” O verbo “oversee”, que é dado na 374. Comentário: No trecho: “As a result, its trade
alternativa B significa, também “supervisionar”. policy score is 1 point worse this year.” (Como resultado,
Alternativa: B sua pontuação / nota da política comercial está 1 ponto
pior este ano.) traz a informação.
366. Comentário: O orçamento participativo, de acordo Alternativa: D
com o texto, é explicado por um orçamento que é
decidido pela comunidade, ou seja, refere-se (concerns) 375. Comentário: No último parágrafo, o autor diz que
à alocação de fundos (recursos). Isso é explicado ao o departamento de Estado dos EUA considera os
longo do texto. procedimentos alfandegários opacos (não
Alternativa: A transparentes, ou seja, obscuros) e que consomem
tempo (time-consuming, ou seja, vagarosos, sluggish
367. Comentário: “No segundo parágrafo é dita a em inglês.).
seguinte sentença: “…(Putin) is seen as someone who Alternativa: C
can get taxes collected and close the budget deficit.”(…
é visto como alguém que pode mandar cobrar mais 376. Comentário: O texto inteiro trata da política
impostos e fechar o déficit orçamentário.). Ou seja, comercial da Argentina. Inclusive, fala das barreiras
consegue acabar com o déficit. “To bring to an end” comerciais entre os países não participantes do
significa “dar um fim”. MERCOSUL.
Alternativa: B Alternativa: B

368. Comentário: Aqui, os segredos, era saber que o 377. Comentário: O texto é um tanto confuso, porém
passado do verbo To grow (crescer) é grew, e que last é dito que a Irlanda teve que tomar dinheiro emprestado
year = ano passado. para pagar por serviços públicos melhores e que o país
Alternativa: C se separou de um país muito maior (com grande
amargura). Ou seja, é um país que não é mais colônia,
369. Comentário: Mergers significa: “fusões” (entre porém tem que pegar dinheiro emprestado para pagar
empresas). Em nenhum momento foi mencionado algo por serviços públicos.
em relação a isso. Alternativa: A
Alternativa: E
378. Comentário: O autor expressa isso na sentença:
370. Comentário: Quando o autor diz: “…since the “Its gross domestic product is a mere 64% of the
early resignation of President Boris Yeltsin.”(… desde European Community average.” (Seu PIB é meros 64%
a precoce renúncia de Boris Yeltsin.”), fica claro que da média da Comunidade Européia.).
Putin o substitui sem violência. Alternativa: D
Alternativa: E
379. Comentário: A única afirmação correta está
371. Comentário: To bring about é um verbo expressa no seguinte trecho: “...leading the sector in
preposicionado que significa: “criar, ou seja, “to cause the implementation of the most advanced deep water
to happen” que spossui o mesmo significado. technology for oil production - a field where it was
Alternativa: D awarded the OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
(OTC) prize in 1992.” (... conduzindo o setor na
372. Comentário: No início do texto o autor diz: “Most implantação da mais avançada tecnologia de águas
countries of Latin America stabilized and openedtheur profundas para produção de petróleo - um campo / setor
economies…”(A maioria dos países da América Latina que foi premiado com o prêmio Empresa de Tecnologia
estabilizaram e abriram suas economias). Ou seja, nem Offshore em 1992.).
todos os países fizeram isso. Alternativa: E
Alternativa: D
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380. Comentário: As três últimas afirmações não estão 386. Comentário: Pela sentença do início do texto
no texto. O texto não menciona nada sobre as unidades “International Finance Corporation (IFC) offers a wide
no exterior da Petrobras. Diz, no texto, que não há variety of financial products to private sector projects in
dúvida no que tange o sucesso da Petrobras no território developing countries.” (O IFC oferece uma larga
nacional (No doubt that behind PETROBRAS’ success variedade de produtos financeiros para projetos do setor
there is to be seen the capability of all units throughout privado em países em desenvolvimento.); deixa claro
the national territory... = Sem dúvida que por trás do que projetos de instituições públicas não são aceitos
sucesso da Petrobras, há que ser visto que a pelo IFC.
capacidade de todas as unidades por todo o território Alternativa: D
nacional...). O item V, também não procede, porque o
que é dito no texto, é que a frota de petroleiros da 387. Comentário: Basta consultar um bom dicionário
Petrobras é a maior do hemisfério sul. e veremos que a definição das palavras que foram
Alternativa: B utilizadas no texto não são compatíveis com os
sinônimos dados nos outros itens.
381. Comentário: Nada é dito com relação às duas Alternativa: C
últimas afirmações.
Alternativa: A 388. Comentário: Texto razoavelmente simples. No
trecho: “… growth in one country has a greater
382. Comentário: O texto menciona, com relação à probability of contributing to growth in others. But the
alternativa, o seguinte trecho: “… this system sought to reverse is also true. When the world’s largest economy
find new suppliers and vest upon the company such experiences a sharp drop, that inevitably drags down
powers as requires to make its own decisions regarding others.” (… crescimento em um país tem grande
the technological and industrial aspects of the oil probabilidade de contribuir para o crescimento em
business.” (…esse sistema procurou encontrar novos outros. Mas o contrário, também, é verdadeiro.). Mostra
fornecedores e dar à empresa tal poder, já que requer que as economias mundiais estão ligadas e
que que ela faça suas próprias decisões no que se interdependentes.
refere aos aspectos tecnológicos e industriais do Alternativa: C
negócio de petróleo.).
Alternativa: E 389. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o título: “The world’s
three largest economies are limping.Emerging markets
383. Comentário: Os itens restantes estão incorretos are drifting into financial crisis.”(As três maiores
porque: no item II o pronome “its” se refere à Petrobrás. economias do mundo estão afrouxando / mancando.
No item III a palavra “chose” é corretamente substituída Mercados emergentes estão se dirigindo para crise
pela palavra “opted”, pois o verbo “chose” está no financeira.). Ou seja, estão atualmente enfrentando
passado. Enquanto que no item IV, o autor da prova dificuldades, como é dito na alternativa A.
tentou ludibriar o(a) candidato(a) com a palavra “foreign” Alternativa: A
(estrangeiro) que é foneticamente parecido com a
palavra “strange” (estranho). 390. Comentário: O autor expressa isso no trecho:
Alternativa: B “In 1997, a financial crisis in emerging markets led to
recession in those economies. But most were able to
384. Comentário: No texto há o trecho: “A company or export their way out because the US na Europe were
entrepreneur, foreign or domestic, seeking to establish growing. Now all major economies are slowing down,
a new venture or expand an existing enterprise can … “(Em 1997, uma crise financeira em mercados
approach IFC …” (Uma empresa ou empresário, emergentes conduziu para recessão aqueles países.
estrangeiro ou interno, procurando estabelecer uma Mas a maioria era capaz de escoar suas produções,
nova atividade ou expandir uma empresa existente porque os EUA e a Europa estavam crescendo. Agora,
pode se aproximar da IFC…). todas as importantes economias estão desacelerando.).
Alternativa: E Considerando, também, a resposta na questão 388,
não resta dúvida que a globalização tem suas
385. Comentário: O trecho: “The proposal can also be vantagens e desvantagens.
submitted to the IFC field office that is closest to the Alternativa: D
location of the proposed project.” (A proposta pode,
também ser submetida a escritório IFC, que esteja mais 391. Comentário: “The US Federal Reserve last night
próximo do projeto proposto.). Isto mostra, que o IFC demonstrated its determination to steer the American
possui filiais locais (local branches). economy away from recession when it cut its key
Alternativa: E interest rate for the seventh time this year… (O banco
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 63

central americano, na noite passada, demonstrou sua 398. Comentário: Apesar do texto não estar datado,
determinação de levar a economia americana para essa prova é recente (2001), e pode se considerar que
longe da recessão, quando ele cortou sua principal taxa a produção de petróleo na costa do leste tem sido feita
de juros pela sétima vez esta ano…). Ou seja, este por aproximadamente 40 anos, já que no texto é dito
trecho mostra que a alternativa E está correta. que ela foi iniciada em 1968.
Alternativa: E Alternativa: E

392. Comentário: No trecho “The discount rate fell a 399. Comentário: Não devemos esquecer que a
quarter of a point to 3 per cent, matching lows seen in questão pede algo que não está correto. Em nenhum
the early 1990’s. (A taxa / valor de desconto caiu um momento é dito, no texto, que Garoupa se tornaria tão
quarto de ponto percentual para 3 porcento, igualando- prolífera quanto à região nordeste.
se a patamares de baixa, vistos no início dos anos 90.). Alternativa: C
Mostra que tal queda já ocorreu antes.
Alternativa: A 400. Comentário: Nesta questão, basta consultar um
bom dicionário e verificar que somente as duas últimas
393. Comentário: No que tange à recessão, o FED fazem sentido.
está com o objetivo de evitá-la (avert it). Isto está Alternativa: E
evidente, inclusive, na resposta da questão 391.
Alternativa: C 401. Comentário: Na primeira linha é dito que o GAO
é o braço investigativo do Congresso. (The General
394. Comentário: No texto há o trecho: “At the start of Accounting Office is the investigative arm of Congress).
the year, it was not uncommon to hear businessmen Alternativa: B
saying that Brazil was enjoying its best economic
conditions for a generation.” (No início do ano não era 402. Comentário: Nesta questão a solução correta se
incomum ouvir homens de negócios / empresários encontra no trecho “GAO is dedicated to good
dizendo que o Brazil desfrutava suas melhores government through its commitment to the core values
condições econômicas há décadas.). Ou seja, os of accountability, integrity, and reliability.” (O TCU é
empresários expressavam seu otimismo em relação à dedicado ao bom governo, através de seu
economia brasileira. comprometimento com os valores centrais de
Alternativa: E responsabilidade, integridade e confiabilidade.). Ou
seja, a alternativa A diz: transparente, honesto e
395. Comentário: No segundo parágrafo é dito que: confiável. A pegadinha é a palavra “dependable”, que
“Entretanto, dentro de poucos meses, o cenário para o significa “confiável. Não confundir com “dependent” =
Brazil se deteriorou radicalmente.”(However, within just dependente.
a few months, the outlook for the Brazilian economy Alternativa: A
has deteriorated dramatically). Isso mostra, que antes
o cenário era favorável, porém, posteriormente houve 403. Comentário: O autor mostra que vários
um desapontamento. profissionais de diversas áreas estão presentes no
Alternativa: A quadro de funcionários do GAO. Observe o trecho
“GAO’s analysts, auditors, lawyers, economists,
396. Comentário: Questão muito fácil, pois em nenhum information technology specialists, investigators, and
momento é mencionado algo sobre impacto ambiental other multidisciplinary professionals seek to enhance
(environmental impact). the economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and credibility
Alternativa: B of the federal government …” (Analistas, auditores,
advogados, economistas, especialistas em tecnologia
397. Comentário: Armínio Fraga diz, no trecho: “A da informação, investigadores, e outros profissionais
whole series of unexpected factors are to blame. We multidisciplinares procuram melhorar a economia,
have been confronted by a series of shocks, admits eficiência, eficácia e credibilidade do governo
Armínio Fraga, president of the central bank.” (Uma federal…).
série de inesperados fatores são culpados. Temos Alternativa: C
enfrentado umua série de choques, admite Armínio
Fraga.). No texto é dito que o problema de energia é a 404. Comentário: No texto aparece o trecho: “GAO
causa principal (main), mas não a única. helps the Congress oversee federal programs and
Alternativa: D operations to ensure accountability to the American
people.” (O GAO auxilia o Congresso a supervisionar
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programas e operações federais para garantir a alternativa C, a situação econômica da América Latina
responsabilidade para o povo americano.). era pobre e, conseqüentemente requeria mudanças.
Alternativa: D Alternativa: C

405. Comentário: Nesta questão devemos consultar 412. Comentário: Nesta questão a solução correta está
um dicionário e verificar que foram utilizadas palavras localizada na sentença: “The phrase” Washington
sinônimas às utilizadas no texto. consensus” was soon coined by economist John
Alternativa: D Williamson of the Institute for International Economics
to denote the policies that the U.S. government and
406. Comentário: Esta questão chega a ser ridícula e, Washington-based institutions (the World Bank, the
podemos dizer que subestima a inteligência do(a) International Monetary Fund) were advocating: lower
candidato(a). Não é nem necessário ler o texto para tariffs, higher foreign investment, tighter budgets, less
saber que o GAO não FAZ transmissão de partido inflation.” (A frase “Consenso de Washington, foi logo
político pela TV. cunhada pelo economista John Willianson do Instituto
Alternativa: E de Economia Internacional para denotar as políticas
que o governo americano e instituições baseadas em
407. Comentário: No segundo parágrafo o autor Washington (Banco Mundial, FMI) estavam
mostra que há uma regulamentação para os três defendendo: tarifas mais baixas, maior investimento
primeiros itens mencionados anteriormente, e uma externo.
regulamentação para o último item mencionado. Alternativa: A
Alternativa: E
413. Comentário: O autor expressa isso no início do
408. Comentário: No texto há o trecho: “The amounts terceiro parágrafo. Tal parágrafo começa com: “Brazil
of these products that can be acquired by distributors exemplified the shift.” (O Brasil exemplificou a
from PETROBRAS are subject to control by the DNC…” mudança.). A partir daí, são narradas as mudanças
(Os volumes desses produtos que podem ser feitas no Brasil.
adquiridos pelo distribuidor da Petrobrás são sujeitos Alternativa: E
ao controle do DNC…). Ou seja, se O DNC controla
tais volumes, ele mantém registros dos montantes 414. Comentário: Em termos figurados, o autor quer
comprados. dizer, que a inflação foi “conquistada”, no sentido de a
Alternativa: A inflação ter sido controlada.
Alternativa: B
409. Comentário: Observe o trecho: “…changes to
orders, such as additional orders, reductions, transfers 415. Comentário: Esta questão testa o(a) candidato(a)
or anticipated delivery can also be analysed by the area, no que tange o entendimento global do texto. O texto
according to the regions in which each distributor inteiro fala das mudanças na América Latina e as únicas
operates.” (… mudanças nos pedidos, tais como menções feitas à América do Norte, por exemplo, são
pedidos adicionais, reduções, transferências ou entrega em relação ao Banco Mundial e FMI. No que se refere
antecipada podem, também, ser analisadas pela área, à Ásia, é mencionado que serviu como exemplo de
de acordo com as regiões nas quais cada distribuidor mudanças (embora, esteja implícito). No geral, o texto
opera.). trata das mudanças na América Latina. Não um trecho
Alternativa: E específico que exemplifique isso.
Alternativa: D
410. Comentário: Nesta questão devemos consultar
um dicionário e verificar que foram utilizadas palavras 416. Comentário: “Apesar de uma queda no
sinônimas às utilizadas no texto. investimento na área tecnológica,…”, “Embora houve
Alternativa: B uma queda em investimento na área tecnológica…”.
Como se vê, temos a mesma idéia.
411. Comentário: O primeiro parágrafo retrata a Alternativa: A
situação ruim das economias da América Latina. O
começo do parágrafo 2 diz: “que no início dos anos 80, 417. Comentário: Esta questão traz uma típica questão
governos latinos mudaram porque o desempenho sobre sentenças subordinadas. A única alternativa que
econômico era sombrio…”(But beginning of the 1980s, apresenta a forma correta de se conjugar esse tipo de
Latin governments changed, because economic sentença é traduzida como: “Se eles tivessem nos
performance was dismal…). Ou seja, como diz na avisado de antemão, nós teríamos tomado as medidas
necessárias. Agora é tarde demais.” As outras
alternativas não são gramaticalmente corretas e, para
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 65

checar isso, basta traduzir as conjugações literalmente. Gabarito:


Você verá que não terá traduções plausíveis. a) … teriam sido reformuladas pelos três “braços” do
Alternativa: D governo.
b) … têm sido monitoradas pelos funcionários públicos
418. Comentário: A tradução da alternativa correta é e do setor privado.
“Ninguém testou o sistema de segurança até agora (so
far)”. Essa sentença nada mais é que a voz passiva da 425. Comentário: “Athenians also imposed a monthly
sentença dada na pergunta, observe a tradução dessa pool tax on foreigners”. (Atenienses, também instituiram
frase: “O sistema de segurança não foi testado até um conjunto de impostos sobre os estrangeiros…). Este
agora.” A questão pede para indicar qual sentença trecho nos mostra que estrangeiros não eram isentos
expressaria a mesma idéia. de impostos, ou seja, o que diz a alternativa C.
Alternativa: C Alternativa: C

419. Comentário: “WHICH” é um pronome relativo, e 426. Comentário: Ao verificar uma palavra que você
no caso se refere ao “estudo”. Vamos traduzir a frase: conhece como substantivo, mas não faz sentido na
“este estudo sobre negócios na Web – que foi sentença que ela estiver inserida, tente encontrar um
recentemente liberado – aponta …”. Quem foi liberado? verbo que possa ser derivado dessa palavra. É muito
O “estudo” provável que você resolverá seu problema.
Alternativa: B Gabarito:
TO CHANGE = trocar, mudar troca, mudança
420. Comentário: Aqui temos que conhecer pronomes TO CUT = cortar corte
em inglês. Vamos traduzir a sentença e verificar que a TO DOCUMENT = documentar documento
alternativa A. “Se eles não conseguem alcançar seus TO DROP = cair, despencar queda
TO FACE = encarar, deparar-se rosto, face
objetivos, eles deveriam se culpar, e não a nós.” O
TO FALL = cair queda
segredo é o pronome reflexivo “themselves” que tem a TO INCREASE = aumentar aumento
função de indicar que “eles” praticam a ação e a TO MISUSE = mal utilizar, usar mal, má utilização,
recebem. Os outros dois pronomes (do caso oblíquo) mau uso
são utilizados, como em português, após verbos e TO PRICE = precificar preço
preposições. TO RAISE = aumentar aumento
Alternativa: A TO REACH = alcançar alcance
TO RISE = aumentar, subir aumento
421. Comentário: Utilizando um dicionário e TO SHIFT = trocar, mudar troca, mudança
substituindo as palavras apresentadas nas alternativas, TO SUPPORT =s ustentar, apoiar suporte, apoio
TO TAX = tributar imposto
somente a alternativa A. Tradução da sentença com a
TO TERM = denominar, chamar de termo
alternativa correta preenchendo a lacuna: “Espera-se
TO USE = usar, utilizar uso, utilização
que candidatos(as) morem na França, assim eles(as)
podem se candidatar a um emprego somente se(only
427. Comentário: Esta questão nos leva a lembrar que
if) eles(as) provarem que eles(as) sabem falar francês.”
adjetivos não são escritos no plural. Desse modo
Alternativa: A
ficamos com as alternativas A e D. A resposta D é
correta, porque devemos utilizar o superlativo de
422. Comentário: A expressão “PROVIDED”, apesar
superioridade já que a sentença é traduzida como: “Em
de ser o passado e particípiio passado do verbo “TO
1 de outubro de 2001, Ronald Reagan de 95 anos de
PROVIDE”(PROVER), também, é utilizado como
idade se tornou o mais velho ex-presidente dos EUA.”
“CONTANTO QUE”. Desse modo, a tradução do item
Alternativa: D
D é “Contanto que você tenha uma senha.”
Alternativa: D
428. Comentário: Esta questão nos leva a lembrar os
verbos modais. O verbo que expressa uma capacidade
423. Comentário: Nesta questão testa-se o
passada é o “COULD”.
conhecimento de verbos preposicionados (phrasal
Alternativa: A
verbs). Por isso, TO PUT OFF é a mesma coisa que
TO POSTPONE (ADIAR, POSTERGAR).
429. Comentário: A palavra FEW significa POUCOS.
Alternativa: C
SOME significa ALGUM, UM POUCO. Ao preencher
as lacunas com essas palavras temos uma frase
424. Comentário: Em questões nas quais se
plausível.
apresentam esse tipo de seqüência de verbos, você
Alternativa: D
deve traduzir cada um separadamente, pois eles
seguem a mesma ordem de uma frase em português.
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430. Comentário: Traduzindo a resposta dada no 437. Comentário: No final do primeiro parágrafo é dito
enunciado na questão temos: “Eu chequei alguns dados que: “Agora, à medida que nações pobres se unem ao
na tela do computador”. Para termos uma resposta “jogo” do comércio internacional, elas têm aumentado
desse tipo, temos na alternativa D, “O que você fez sua participação no comércio mundial em mais da
ontem”, a pergunta compatível. metade. Eles estão exigindo um discurso palavra mais
Alternativa: D forte no sistema global, lideradas por nações que se
opunham à Americanização”do comércio e cultura
431. Comentário: Esta questão testa conjugação de globais: China, India, Brasil.” (Now, as more poor
verbos. Quando o verbo está no Present Perfect, o nations join the international trading game, they have
verbo auxiliar para respostas curtas é o próprio verbo increased their share of world trade by more than half.
TO HAVE. No caso dessa questão, o verbo está na They are demanding a greater say in the global system,
forma negativa na resposta. led by nations that most opposed the “Americanization”
Alternativa: D of global trade and culture: India, China, Brazil), mostra
que as nações pobres estão desempenhando esse
432. Comentário: Temos que conhecer pronomes em papel. A Europa, também tem participação, quando é
inglês. O pronome do caso oblíquo que substitui a mencionado que: “This new force looks to Europe for
palavra “REPORTS” é “THEM” (está no plural). inspiration.”(Essa nova força olha para a Europa por
Alternativa: A inspiração.). Isso deixa claro, que a Europa, também
desempenha um papel importante nas mudanças.
433. Comentário: Aqui temos que lembrar que quando Alternativa: D
nos referimos a horas, devemos utilizar a preposição
AT. 438. Comentário: Quando a alternativa diz que:
Alternativa: A “Regras podem ter sido definidas em relação ao
comércio global”, temos que lembrar que no texto há o
434. Comentário: Para fazermos uma voz passiva em trecho: “The global rules are cracking down on
inglês, devemos lembrar que ela é formada do mesmo multinationals that order mass layoffs or grow too
modo que em português. Por isso, basta traduzir ambas powerful for local comfort.”(As regras globais estão se
e checar em qual alternativa ela está presente. Por isso, rompendo sobre multinacionais que ordenam
a voz passiva de: “O Congresso aprovará algumas demissões em massa ou crescem demais (poderosas
novas leis” é: “Algumas novas leis serão aprovadas pelo demais) para conforto local.). Ou seja, as regras estão,
Congresso”. provavelmente mudando.
Alternativa: D Alternativa: C

435. Comentário: No trecho: “Now, as more poor 439. Comentário: Esta questão exige conhecimento
nations join the international trading game, they have de vocabulário específico. MASS LAYOFFS significa
increased their share of world trade by more than half. demissões em massa, ou seja, demissão de numerosos
They are demanding a greater say in the global trabalhadores (The dismissal of numerous employees.)
system,…” (Agora, à medida que nações pobres se Alternativa: C
unem ao “jogo” do comércio internacional, eles têm
aumentado sua participação no comércio mundial em 440. Comentário: No texto há o trecho: “Stock markets
mais da metade. Eles estão exigindo um discurso rose in expectation of the Federal Reserve’s half-point
palavra mais forte no sistema global…), fica claro que cut in interest rates on November 6th to 1.25%, the
as nações pobres têm um peso maior nas decisões lowest rate for more than 40 years.” (Mercados de acões
globais. subiram suas expectativas por causa do corte de maio,
Alternativa: A ponto nas taxas de juros em 6 de novembro para 1,25%,
o mais baixo em mais de 40 anos.). Ou seja, o corte é
436. Comentário: Esta questão tem a solução no o mais baixo em mais de 40 anos, significando que o
trecho: “The nations that inspired the late-2oth –century corte já ocorreu.
boom in global trade and profited most greatly form in Alternativa: A
advance no longer define its rules.” (As nações que
inspiraram o boom no comércio global do ex-século 441. Comentário: O verbo TO STALL significa
XX e mais lucraram não mais ditam suas regras.). PERDER VELOCIDADE ou perder sustentação (ambas
Mostra que o capitalismo está passando por mudanças utilizadas na aviação), ou seja, pelo contexto e pelas
(undegoing changes.). alternativas apresentadas este verbo sugere que a
Alternativa: B recuperação americana está “ATRASADA”(DELAYED).
Alternativa: E
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 67

442. Comentário: A expressão “ON THE WANE” 450. Comentário: No trecho: “If you do not agree with
significa “À MINGUA”, ou seja, está enfraquecendo the examiner’s report, you can meet with the examiner’s
(weakening). supervisor to discuss your case further.). Se você não
Alternativa: E concordar com o relatório do examinador, você pode
se reunir com o supervisor do examonador para discutir
443. Comentário: O trecho: “For years Europe has seu caso posteriormente.). Ou seja, o relatório do
been an economic backwater because of excessive examinador pode ser questionado.
taxes and regulations, onerous labour laws and Alternativa: C
ludicrously lavish welfare benefits.” (Faz anos que a
Europa tem sido um um local economicamente 451. Comentário: No trecho do texto que traz esta
estagnado por causa de regulamentações e impostos, informação é o mesmo da resposta anterior.
onerosas leis trabalhistas e benefícios de de bem-estar Alternativa: E
ridiculamente generosos.). Traz todas essas
alternativas de forma negativa. Desse modo, só resta 452. Comentário: Questão que confundiu muitos(as)
a alternativa A (legal tender = currency = moeda candidatos(as), pois é muito tênue as idéias expressa
corrente). pelas alternativas A e B. Contudo, a alternativa A é
Alternativa: A mais implícita do que a alternativa B. No texto, há
menção de várias etapas que podem ser seguidas pelo
444. Comentário: No trecho: “This new money may contribuinte para que ele se defenda de alguma decisão
finally trigger a Western European economic que ele considera que não foi justa.
renaissance.” (Esta nova moeda pode finalmente, Alternativa: A
alavancar o renascimento econômico da Europa
Ocidental.). Ou seja, como diz a alternativa C: “pode 453. Comentário: Na primeira sentença do texto, é dito
finalmente ser iniciado (o renascimento.). “Up until 5 April 1999, investors received dividends from
Alternativa: C stocks and shares net of a tax credit of 20%.”(Até 5 de
Abril de 1999, investidores recebiam dividendo de ações
445. Comentário: Como foi traduzido no trecho dada líquidas(livres) de um crédito tributário de 20%.), ou
na questão 443, “BACKWATER”significa “LUGAR seja, o imposto já havia sido deduzido na fonte quando
ESTAGNADO”, ou seja, isolado de idéias e influências os investidores recebiam esses dividendos.
econômicas modernas. Alternativa: B
Alternativa: B
454. Comentário: O último parágrafo diz que “…from
446. Comentário: Pegadinha! As alternativas tentam 6 April 1999, the tax credit on dividends was reduced to
enganar o(a) candidato(a) colocando várias datas nas 10% and Pep and Isa investors are only allowed to
alternativas, porém, todas estão incorretas. O euro reclaim this 10% tax credit, not the previous level of
começaria a estar disponível a partir de 1º de janeiro 20%” (… desde 6 de Abril de 1999 o crédito tributário
de 2002. Por isso, nenhuma das alternativas sobre dividendos foi reduzido para 10% e investidores
relacionadas às datas está correta. A resposta correta Pep e Isa têm permisão somente para requerer estes
é a mais simples, que é o próprio nome da moeda. 10%.), ou seja, era 20% e caiu para 10% (foi reduzido
Alternativa: D para 10%.)”. Isto significa, que antes daquela data o
crédito tributário pago era mais alto (higher).
447. Comentário: Na primeira frase do texto é dito que: Alternativa: D
“Congresso está finalmente tomando uma atitude em
direção / no que tange a escolha escolar.” (Congress is 455. Comentário: Observe o trecho “The 1997
finally making a move toward school choice.). measures immediately ended the right of pension funds
Alternativa: A to reclaim this tax, and in April 1999 non-tax payers
were no longer able to reclaim this credit either.” (As
448. Comentário: Aqui, temos que saber que “TO medidas de 1997 imediatamente acabaram com o
SQUANDER” tem o mesmo significado de “TO direito de fundos de pensão requererm esse imposto,
WASTE”, ou seja, “DESPERDIÇAR”. em Abril de 1999 não-contribuintes (isentos) não mais
Alternativa: E podiam requerer esse crédito tributário.). Fica claro, que
houve mudanças nas regras.
449. Comentário: Ao longo do texto é dito que o Alternativa: D
dinheiro economizado pode ser utilizado para despesas
escolares, inclusive as despesas relacionadas à 456. Comentário: Esta questão é respondida pelo
faculdade (college). trecho “…the tax credit on dividends was reduced to
Alternativa: E
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10% and Pep and Isa investors are only allowed to final desse mesmo parágrafo há o trecho “The
reclaim this 10% tax credit, not the previous level of possibility that Lula, a former metalworker, will become
20%”(… o crédito tributário sobre dividendos foi leader of Latin America’s most important economy has
reduzido para 10% e investidores Pep e Isa têm got the markets…”(A possibilidade de que Lula, um ex-
permissão somente para requerer estes 10%.), ou seja, metalúrgico, se torne o presidente da mais importante
era 20% e caiu para 10% (foi reduzido para 10%.). economia da América Latina “pegou os mercados…).
Alternativa: C Quando o autor diz: “pegou os mercados”, ele quer,
figuradamente, expressar a idéia de que os mercados
457. Comentário: Em nenhum momento foi estão preocupados (worried).
mencionado “indivíduos de alta renda.” Alternativa: D
Alternativa: A
464. Comentário: Aqui requer-se conhecimento de
458. Comentário: No texto, a palavra “tight-fisted” (de vocabulário específico. TO SLUMP significa “CAIR
punho fechado/cerrado) é uma metáfora para RAPIDAMENTE”, ou seja, “CAIU REPENTINAMENTE”
“controlado, parsimonioso” e que, ao longo do texto, (HAS SUDDENLY FALLEN).
Mr. Brown se torna mais mão aberta e libera(ladle out) Alternativa: A
dinheiro para serviço públicos. Ou seja, como a
alternativa A diz: Mr. Brown era “mão fechada” no início, 465. Comentário: Mais uma questão que exige
mas depois ficou mais generoso. conhecimento de vocabulário específico.
Alternativa: A “HARROWING” significa “ANGUSTIANTE”. No texto,
esta condição econômica da Argentina é exemplificado
459. Comentário: O trecho “the ever-more-powerful no trecho: “Although Argentineans are suffering terribly
Chancellor promised…”(O sempre mais poderoso from economic turmoil…”(Embora os argentinos
Chanceler prometeu…) tem o mesmo sentido da estejam sofrendo terrivelmente por causa de um caos
alternativa A. econômico…).
Alternativa: A Alternativa: B

460. Comentário: Observe o trecho extraído do texto: 466. Comentário: Conhecimento de vocaulário é
“Mr. Brown vowed to raise taxes – National Insurance testado. “TO STEM THE LOSS” significa, “ESTANCAR
contributions, more precisely – to bring British health OS PREJUÍZOS’, ou seja, “PARAR / CESSAR OS
spending to European levels.”(Mr. Brown prometeu PREJUÍZOS”.
aumentar impostos – mais precisamente Contribuições Alternativa: A
da Previdência Social – para trazer o gastos Birtânicos
em saúde para níveis europeus). Tradução da 467. Comentário: O “TO ROOT OUT” significa
alternativa E: “alcançar / chegar ao nível de gastos com “ELIMINAR, ACABAR COM”. No texto é dito que as
saúde em níveis dos países europeus.” autoridades tributárias querem ACABAR COM os
Alternativa: E prejuízos (vide resposta anterior). Isto já é suficiente
para entendermos que elas (as autoridades) querem
461. Comentário: Isto é respondido pelo mesmo trecho acabar com os evasores de impostos (to root out tax
reproduzido na resposta da questão 460. evaders) como é dito na alternativa C.
Alternativa: D Alternativa: C

462. Comentário: No seguinte trecho “…he showered 468. Comentários: Para responder essa questão
still more money on other services, education in temos que lembra que no trecho: “But whether the IRS
particular. But pouring money into an unreformed will succeed in obtaining information such as the names
system may not be his cleverest idea.”(… ele despejou and transaction records of such account holders is still
mais dinheiro ainda em outros serviços, educação em an open question because of the present US banking
particular. Mas despejar dinheiro em um sistema não secrecy laws.” (Mas se a Receita Federal vai conseguir
reestruturado pode não ser sua mais inteligente idéia.) obter informações tais como nome e registros de
mostra que a alternativa A é correta. transações dos titulares da contas é uma questão em
Alternativa: A aberto devido às atuais leis de sigilo bancário
americanas.). A tradução da alternativa A, é: “há uma
463. Comentário: No início do texto, mais lei que determina que contas bancárias não podem ser
precisamente na primeira linha, é dito que investidores abertas / entregues.
já estão votando baseados na possível vitória do Alternativa: C
candidato da esquerda, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. No
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 69

469. Comentário: E ao longo do texto é ilustrado que segurança e privacidade. Na primeira sentença do texto
as autoridades tributárias americanas estão indo até é dito que “seguindo uma série de embaraçosos
Singapura para descobrir evasores de impostos. problemas de segurança,…”. É outra parte que
Menciona o fato de que existe um impedimento legal corrobora a alternativa C.
de que as contas de titulares de contas bancárias não Alternativa: C
podem ter suas contas abertas devido às leis de sigilo
bancário americanas, ou seja o texto trata do 475. Comentário: Aqui exige-se conhecimento de
“procedimento adotado pela Receita Federal a fim de vocabulário. DEBATABLE significa o mesmo de
identificar evasores de impostos (a procedure adopted ARGUABLE.
by the IRS in order to identify tax evaders.). Alternativa: A
Alternativa: E
476. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que
470. Comentário: O trecho “Environmental results must traz a sentença pertinente; “De acordo com fontes, CEO
be improved, ensuring maximum transparency and da indústria de computadores, muitos dos QUAIS, têm
reliability in PETROBRAS operations, processes, enfrentado severas críticas ultimamente …”, ou seja,
products and services.” (Resultados ambientais tem que são os CEOs que têm sido criticados.
ser melhorados, garantindo máxima transparência e Alternativa: D
confiabilidade na operações, processos, produtos e
serviços da Petrobrás.). 477. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que
Alternativa: D traz a informação apresentada: “Microsoft next year
plans to update Windows XP to support technologies
471. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto: left out of the new operating system: USB 2.0 and
“PETROBRÁS está dando ao gerenciamento ambiental Bluetooth.”(Microsoft, ano que vem, planeja atualizar
a mesma importância que ela dá à sua produtivdade.” Windows XP para suportar duas tecnologias que
Esta é a idéia expressa pelas alternativas II e III. A ficaram de for a do novo sistem operacional: USB2.0 e
diferença é que na alternativa III a sentença está na Bluetooth.), ou seja, na a ,es,a coisa que é dita na
voz passiva. alternativa C: a atual versão do Wondows XP não inclui
Alternativa: B a tecnologia USB 2.o e Bluetooth.
Currently, there is a large number of superb digital
472. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que libraries (DLs), all of which are, unfortunately, vertically
traz a informação apresentada pela alternativa B: : integrated and all presenting a monolithic interface to
“…Net analysts questioning whether the software giant their users. Ideally, a user would want to locate
can deliver 24-7 services”(…analistas da NET resources from a variety of digital libraries dealing only
questionando se a gigante de software consegue with one interface. A number of approaches to this
entregar /prover serviços 24-7,ou seja, 24 horas – 7 interoperability issue exist including: defining a universal
dias por semana.). Tradução da alternativa B:”Analistas protocol for all libraries to adhere to; or developing
questionam se a Microsoft é realmente capaz de mechanisms to translate between protocols. (D-Lib,
oferecer serviço 24-7.”. March 1999).
Alternativa: B Alternativa: C

473. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que 478. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que
traz a informação apresentada pela alternativa correta: traz a informação apresentada: Que há muitas
“…but has so far spread very slowly, …” (…mas (o vírus) abordagens para se empreender a interoperabilidade.
até agora se espalhou muito vagarosamente,…), ou Alternativa: C
seja, a mesma informação apresentada pela alternativa
C (…não se espalhou a grande velocidade até agora.). 479. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que
Alternativa: C traz a informação apresentada: For 2001, IT spending
at these companies was 2.5 percent higher when
474. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que compared to 2000 levels,…” (Para 2001, gastos com
traz a informação apresentada: “…Bill Gates this week TI nestas empresas foram 2,5% mais altos quando
announced a major strategy shift to focus on security comparados com níveis de 2000.). Ou seja, na
and privacy and restore confidence in the company’s alternativa B, é dito que “o nível de gastos em TI nas
software.”(…Bill Gates, esta semana, anunciou uma empresas estudadas foi menor em 2000 do que em
importante mudança de estratégia para focar segurança 2001.”
e provacidade e recuperar a confiança no software da Alternativa: B
empresa.). Alternativa C = Em resposta a problemas
de segurança, Bill Gates anunciou um novo foco em
70 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

480. Comentário: Vamos traduzir o trecho do texto que was signed by President Bush on May 28, 2003)”,
traz a informação apresentada:”… this book provides note que a parte em negrito e subllinhado diz que o
some details on software that can help you develop Jobs and growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act de 2003,
channels,…”(…este livro fornece alguns detalhes sobre que foi assinado pelo presidente Bush em 28 de maio
software que pode auxiliá-lo a desenvolver canais…). de 2003), ou seja, a lei foi oficialmente aceita / aprovada
O trecho descrito mostra que e o livro foca neste ponto. como diz a alternativa C.
Outro trecho interessante é: “…This book does not go Alternativa: C
into quite as much detail on using and developing
channels,…” (Este livro não se aprofunda muito em 485. Comentário: O trecho “Almost everyone will see
detalhes de como usar e desenvolver canais,…), ou a decrease in overall tax paid in 2003.” (Quase todos
seja, o livro trata de software e não do uso de canais. verão uma queda no total de impostos pagos em 2003.).
Alternativa: A Ou seja, todo mundo verá uma redução em 2003 como
diz a alternativa B.
481. Comentário: No seguinte trecho “In a speech last Alternativa: B
week from the capital, Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula
da Silva appeared to balloon with pride over his 486. Comentário: O último parágrafo é dedicado
accomplishments and gloated over achieving in months principalmente às mudanças que ocorrerão em 2003,
what his predecessor Fernando Henrique Cardoso mas o trecho “Watch out for how those income tax
could not do during his eight years in office.” (Em um brackets change over time, however.”(Fique ligado na
discurso na semana passada feito na capital, o alterações nas mudanças nas faixas de incidência ao
presidente do Brasil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pareceu longo do tempo, entretanto.) nos traz a informação clara
se encher / inflar / ficar todo cheio de orgulho por causa de que “um certo número de mudanças no que diz
de seus feitos e contemplou com maldade o fato de ter respeito às faixas de incidência.”
feito em meses o que seu predecessor, Fernando Alternativa: D
Henrique Cardoso, não conseguiu fazer durante seus
8 anos no cargo.). Tradução da alternativa E: “…não 487. Comentário: No seguinte trecho “They’ve survived
escondeu seu júbilo / satisfação no que tange seus the bursting of the tech bubble, a global economic
feitos políticos.”. downturn and the occasional virus, but now overseas
Alternativa: E Internet retailers may see their European profit push
derailed by one of the oldest drags on business:
482. Comentário: O trecho: “While the president is tax.”(Elas sobreviveram à explosão da bolha
riding high over his win with pensions, analysts see a tecnológica, uma queda econômica global e vírus
much tougher field to hoe in the coming ocasionais, mas agora, empresas de Internet
months.”(Enquanto o presidente se gaba com relação estrangeiras podem ver seus lucros na Europa serem
às suas vitórias no campo das penões, analistas empurrados para for a dos trilhos por um dos mais
prevêem um campo muito mais difícil de se cavar nos antigos empecilhos nos negócios: imposto.). Ou seja,
meses vindouros.), ou seja, os analistas “prevêem impostos são vistos como algo “perturbador”
dificuldades” (…foresse difficulties) (annoying).
Alternativa: A Alternativa: C

483. Comentário: Apesar de frisar que o aumento de 488. Comentário: Fica claro que as empresas têm que
imposts(taxes) deverá ser feito através de maior obedecer novas ordens oficiais (tradução da alternativa
produção, no trecho: “Next on the Lula administration A). O texto diz, no segundo parágrafo, “Em 1 de julho,
agenda is taxes, a fight that will not only be waged in uma nova diretiva da União Européia entra em vigor
the capital, but at the state and local levels as requerendo que; todas as firmas de Internet
well.”(Próximo (item) na agenda da administração de considerando um ïmposto de valor agregado”(VAT)
Lula é impostos, uma dura batalha que, não somente sobre as vendas digitais.
será emprendida / promovida na capital, mas também Alternativa: A
em níveis locais e estaduais.”) No gabarito oficial a
resposta dada é D, porém, é muito subjetiva e pode 489. Comentário: No último parágrafo é dito que o VAT
levar o leitor a achar de que se trata de uma guerra não é nada novo para as firmas de Internet, ou seja, o
real, e não figurada. VAT foi cobrado (has been charged).
Alternativa: C Alternativa: D

484. Comentário: No seguinte trecho “I (the Jobs and 490. Comentário: O último parágrafo traz, em sua
Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, which última sentença, a informação que: “Suas rivais /
Central de Concursos 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês - 71

concorrentes européias, entretanto, têm sido isentas, 495. Comentário: O termo “TO FORGE” significa
fazendo das firmas estrangeiras uma opção óbvia para “FORJAR, CRIAR”, porém, no sentido não pejorativo.
os consumidores “caçadores de pechinchas.” (Their O verbo “TO SET UP” pode ter esse significado,
overseas rivals though have been exempt, making também. É uma típica questão para testar se o(a)
foreign firms an obvious choice for the bargain-hunting aluno(a) fez algum curso longo de inglês onde “phrasal
consumer.). Ou seja, subentende-se que as empresas verbs” (verbos preposicionados) foram estudados.
terão que praticar preços mais baixos e que podem ter Alternativa: D
seus lucros afetados(may be affected).
Alternativa: B 496. Comentário: O verbo “TO OFFSET” significa
“COMPENSAR, CONTRABALANCEAR”. Nesse caso
491. Comentário: “Distinctly bleak” = “claramente a alternativa B, diz “o G21 tem o objetivo de …
desanimador”. Isso está claro ao longo do texto (in contrabalancear o poder de barganha dos EUA e União
2003). Ao longo do texto é dito que, em 2003, o Brasil Européia.”. O techo, no texto, que traz tal afirmação é
enfrentou uma recessão, e que o crescimento era “…Celso Amorim said the formation of the Group of 21
esperado ser de míseros 1%, que impostos serão um nations (G21) had “reshuffled the cards” by creating a
grande obstáculo, inclusive que a carga tributária é powerful counterweight to Washington and Brussels.(…
uma das mais altas do mundo. Também diz, que Celso Amorim disse que a formação do G21
mesmo com a reforma tributária tramitando no “reembaralhou as cartas” ao criar uma contrapartida
Congresso, tal carga não será reduzida. Na última frase para Washington e Bruxelas.”. Ou seja, uma
do texto é dito que: “Por enquanto a economia brasileira contrapartida é algo que compensa alguma coisa.
não está indo para lugar algum” (For now, Brazil’s Alternativa: B
economy is going nowhere.)
Alternativa: E 497. Comentário: No trecho, “It has also enhanced the
reputation of Brazil…” (Ela - negociação do G21),
492. Comentário: No trecho “And a government linked também, ressaltou / melhorou a reputação do Brasil…).
research group recently embarrassed ministers by Ou seja, “trouxe prestígio adicional ao país, como diz a
predicting growth of just 0.5% in 2003.” (E um grupo de alternativa D.
pesquisa ligado ao governo recentemente embaraçou Alternativa: E
os ministros ao prever um crescimento de apenas 0,5%
em 2003.) contradiz a previsão de “míseros 1% de 498. Comentário: Observe o trecho: “…is profiting
crescimento” previsto pelo governo. nicely what some would consider the wickedest corners
Alternativa: A of the legitimate economy: alcohol, arms, gambling and
tobacco.” (O Vice Fund)…está lucrando bem o que
493. Comentário: O trecho “Reforms now proceeding alguns considerariam os mais perversos cantos da
through Congress will simplify the tax system, but won’t legítima economia: álcool, armas, jogo e tabaco.). O
reduce the total burden. “(Reformas, agora tramitando item D afirma que o Vice Fund lucra com vícios
no Congresso simplificarão o sistema tributário, mas (addictions) e conflitos humanos.
não reduzirão carga total.). É a única parte do texto Alternativa: D
que aborda características da reforma tributária e, como
podemos verificar, só menciona, como fato positivo, 499. Comentário: O A alternativa A, diz que Vice Fund
sua simplificação. Tradução da alternativa C: “uma bem se provaram um bom investimento para acionistas. Pois
vinda simplificação do sistema tributário.” bem, observe o trecho “In fact, all four vice-ridden
Alternativa: C sectors have outperformed the overall American market
during the past five years. “(Na verdade, os quatro
494. Comentário: O trecho “That will be possible only setores baseados / impelidos pelo fundo Vice, tiveram
if interest rates fall and the government can keep um desempenho além do esperado em todo mercado
spending in check, thereby reducing the amount of americano nos últimos cinco anos.)”.
money needed to pay its own debts.” (redução de Alternativa: A
tributação) será possível, somente se taxas de juros
caírem e o governo manter gastos sob controle, deste 500. Comentário: O termo “MUSCULAR” pode
modo, reduzindo o montante de dinheiro necessário significar “FORTE, SÓLIDO”. Do ponto de vista
para pagar suas próprias dívidas. Responde o que a abordado pelo texto, tem-se a idéia de que a política
questão pede. Tradução da alternativa D: “ a soma de externa de George Bush está voltada para gastos
dinheiro necessária para satisfazer / quitar a dívida militares. Observe o trecho extraído do texto e sua
pública for reduzida.” tradução: “With President George Bush pursuing a
Alternativa: D muscular foreign policy, the outlook for defence
72 - 500 Testes Comentados - Inglês Central de Concursos

spending is also bright.”(Com o presidente George Bush


perseguindo / seguindo uma política externa muscular,
o cenário para o gasto com defesa, também, parece
brilhante.). Esta questão é subjetiva e o(a) candidato(a)
poderia escolher a altenativa E(bem formada), ou seja,
uma política de defesa bem formada, ou até mesmo
“protetora, defensiva”(protective) pois, com certeza
gastos com defesa, também, são feitos para se proteger
de inimigos. Inclusive alguns(as) candidatos(as)
entraram com recursos para tentar ganhar mais um
pontinho. Questões subjetivas são perigosas e sempre
causam polêmicas.
Alternativa: B

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