Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences...

Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

SMARTLIFE HUB – One Device, A Smarter Life

        Imagine a home that responds instantly to your needs!

        With SmartLife Hub, you can control lights, fans, and appliances using your voice (7) ____________ a simple tap on your phone. Everything works seamlessly in one easy-to-use system (8) ____________ for the whole family - bringing comfort and convenience to your everyday life.

        Smart Comfort: Wake up to lights that turn on automatically, and enjoy (9) ____________ as devices switch off when you leave. Your home adapts to you, (10) ____________ life easier every day.

        Safe & Secure: Built-in sensors and cameras monitor your home and send instant alerts (11) ____________ anything unusual happens - giving you peace of mind wherever you are.

        Modern, reliable, and effortless to use, SmartLife Hub stands out from (12) ____________ smart home devices. Upgrade today and experience a safer, more comfortable, and more connected home!

Question 7.
A. or
B. nor
C. so
D. but

Question 8.
A. was designed
B. which designed
C. designed
D. designing

Question 9.
A. energy significant savings
B. significant energy savings

C. significant savings energy
D. savings significant energy

Question 10.
A. making
B. doing
C. done
D. made

Question 11.
A. unless
B. if
C. although
D. however

Question 12.
A. others
B. the others
C. another
D. other

Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

TEN OUT OF TEN - OUR BEST EVER FICTION OFFER!

        Discover an amazing reading opportunity with our best bargain ever!

        We are delighted to offer our readers (1) ____________ fantastic collection of paperback fiction at an unbeatable price. Featuring ten of today’s most creative and talented novelists, this impressive selection gives you the chance to (2) ____________ what’s hot in the world of literature.

        These books are humorous, thrilling, and sometimes spine-chilling, (3) ____________ hours of pleasure for the whole family. Ideal (4) ____________ sharing with friends and loved ones, this special set also makes ten thoughtful and unique gifts.

        Each book would (5) ____________ cost at least £5.99, but now you can enjoy the entire collection for just £9.99 and save an astonishing £53! Don’t miss this (6) ____________ offer. Place your order today to avoid disappointment.

(Adapted from Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English)

Question 1.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. Ø (no article)

Question 2.
A. look up to
B. catch up with
C. run out of
D. get away with

Question 3.
A. delaying
B. preventing
C. providing
D. managing

Question 4.
A. upon
B. from
C. against
D. for

Question 5.
A. normal
B. normally
C. normalize
D. normality

Question 6.
A. incredible
B. unaffordable
C. exorbitant
D. astronomical

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

        Plastic is widely used in modern life as it is practical, lightweight, and inexpensive. However, its convenience has created a serious environmental problem. (18) ____________. Many animals become trapped in plastic debris, while marine life often eats tiny plastic particles. In addition, a large amount of the United Kingdom’s plastic waste is dumped and burned overseas, affecting people’s health.

        One major issue with plastic is its durability. (19) ____________. Because it is cheap and often disposable, plastic has contributed to a throwaway culture. As a result, a huge amount of plastic waste is produced each year. Much of this waste ends up in the oceans, (20) ____________. UK supermarkets alone generate hundreds of thousands of tonnes of plastic packaging annually.

        Another concern is microplastics, (21) ____________. Synthetic clothing releases microfibres during washing, and microbeads in personal care products can pass through water systems into the ocean. These particles have been found worldwide, even in remote areas such as Antarctica.

        Plastic pollution harms wildlife and ecosystems. Larger animals may become entangled in plastic waste, (22) ____________. These particles have even been detected in humans. Although some actions, such as banning certain plastics, have been taken, stronger global measures are urgently needed to reduce plastic use and protect the planet.

(Adapted from https://www.greenpeace.org.uk/challenges/plastic-pollution)

Question 18. 

A. Plastic waste is now found almost everywhere, especially in oceans

B. Plastic materials, especially in oceans now find almost everywhere

C. People can be recycled and reused plastic materials in different ways

D. Plastic pollution can’t be seen anywhere, especially in the oceans any longer

Question 19. 

A. That makes plastic useless; moreover, it also decreases its widespread daily usage

B. This makes plastic useful; however, it also means it does not break down easily

C. Although this makes plastic useful, but it also encourages broken-down consumption

D. Because this makes plastic versatile, otherwise it also leads to overproduction worldwide

Question 20. 

A. a great deal of plastic goes into the sea every minute and that it estimated

B. but it reported that large amounts of plastic are burned in a minute

C. so every minute a truckload of plastic estimates that it enters the sea

D. and it is estimated that a truckload of plastic enters the sea every minute

Question 21. 

A. when plastic breaks down which tiny plastic particles formed

B. what are small natural particles created by ocean currents broken down

C. which are tiny plastic particles formed when plastic breaks down

D. whose tiny organic materials produced by marine organisms

Question 22. 

A. meanwhile microplastics ingested by smaller organisms, the food chain reducing toxins

B. while smaller organisms ingest microplastics, allowing toxins to enter the food chain

C. permitting toxins pass into enter the food chain as smaller organisms consume microplastics

D. letting harmful substances to enter the food chain, while tiny organisms take in microplastics

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

        Efforts to save the spoon-billed sandpiper highlight both the fragility of nature and the determination of conservationists to prevent extinction. This small migratory bird, native to the Arctic regions, is distinguished by its uniquely shaped bill, which flares into a spoon-like tip. If it becomes extinct, thousands of years of evolution will come to an end - a real tragedy.

        For many years, the bird remained poorly documented, adding to its mystery but hindering conservation efforts. To address this, an international team of experts organized an expedition to one of its last breeding areas in North-East Russia. Their mission was to observe, record, and collect eggs from the wild. These eggs would be hatched in controlled conditions, and the chicks later transported to a conservation center in the United Kingdom. The goal was to establish a secure, self-sustaining population that could act as a safeguard against extinction in the wild.

        The spoon-billed sandpiper undertakes an extraordinary migration of around 8,000 kilometers, traveling between Southeast Asia and Arctic Russia. Despite the harsh weather conditions in its breeding grounds, the region offers abundant food and fewer predators, making it ideal for raising young.

        However, the species has declined rapidly due to habitat destruction and hunting along its migration route. Coastal development has eliminated key resting and feeding areas, while in some regions, birds are still trapped for food. Conservation groups have worked with local communities to reduce hunting by offering alternative livelihoods.

        During the expedition, researchers located several nests and collected eggs for incubation. Although some nests were lost to predators, others hatched successfully, offering hope. The chicks were carefully raised in a biosecure environment to protect them from disease. These efforts represent a crucial step toward ensuring the survival of this unique species.

(Adapted from General Reading Practice Test)

Question 23. The word “bill” in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by ____________.

A. feather
B. forehead
C. wing
D. beak

Question 24. The word “Their” in paragraph 2 refers to ____________.

A. an international team of experts
B. the conservation centers in the UK

C. the breeding areas in North - East Russia
D. a group of local conservationists

Question 25. The word “hindering” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. obstructing
B. restricting
C. complicating
D. facilitating

Question 26. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 5?

A. Many nests were safe from predators, so most eggs hatched without problems.

B. Some nests were destroyed by predators, but others hatched and gave hope.

C. Predators protected some nests while others failed to hatch successfully.

D. Though some nests were protected from predators, others hatched, offering hope.

Question 27. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as the aim of the international team of experts?

A. To establish a safe population at a conservation center abroad.

B. To observe the birds and document their behavior in the wild.

C. To introduce the birds into completely new habitats worldwide.

D. To collect eggs for hatching under carefully controlled conditions.

Question 28. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. The spoon-billed sandpiper migrates about five thousand miles.

B. The birds mainly breed in tropical regions of Southeast Asia.

C. Conservationists stopped all hunting through strict government laws.

D. Every nest found during the expedition hatched successfully.

Question 29. In which paragraph does the writer mention a very unusual feature of the spoon-billed sandpiper?

A. Paragraph 1
B. Paragraph 2
C. Paragraph 3
D. Paragraph 4

Question 30. In which paragraph does the writer mention threats of the species?

A. Paragraph 1
B. Paragraph 2
C. Paragraph 3
D. Paragraph 4

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

        In today’s modern society, many people face economic challenges due to rising living costs and rapid changes brought by modernization. [I] Basic necessities such as food, clothing, and other daily expenses continue to increase, placing pressure on families. [II] As a result, some students choose to take on part-time jobs to support themselves and ease their parents’ burden. [III] From a positive perspective, working part-time offers numerous valuable benefits for students. [IV]

        One major advantage is that part-time work helps students use their free time productively. Instead of engaging in negative activities, such as unhealthy social behaviors, they can spend their time working in places like restaurants or shops. Although balancing work and study may initially be challenging and exhausting, students eventually realize that their efforts are worthwhile and beneficial for their personal growth. As the Malay proverb goes, “Rowing upstream, swimming to shore, suffering first, and enjoying later.”

         In addition, part-time jobs help students develop essential life skills. Communication skills are enhanced through daily interactions with customers and coworkers. Furthermore, they also gain practical experience such as teamwork, customer service, and problem-solving. These experiences not only prepare them for future careers but also boost their self-confidence.

        Financial benefits are another important reason students take part-time jobs. Some individuals work to keep the wolf from the door or to cover necessary expenses such as tuition fees, rent, or transportation, while others earn extra money for personal use. Regardless of their purpose, earning their own income teaches them how to manage money wisely, save for the future, and become more self-reliant. This also reduces the financial pressure on their families.

        Finally, working part-time encourages students to develop discipline and a strong sense of responsibility. They must manage their time effectively to balance work, study, and rest. This ability not only contributes to academic success but also prepares them for future challenges in both their personal and professional lives.

        In conclusion, part-time jobs provide students with opportunities to use their time properly, improve skills, gain financial independence, and develop strong discipline. These experiences not only shape their character but also lay a solid foundation for a successful and independent future.

(Adapted from https://englishdaily626.com)

Question 31. Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

This trend is especially common among university students, particularly during long holidays.

A. [I]
B. [II]
C. [III]
D. [IV]

Question 32. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason why students take part-time jobs?

A. The goal of gaining professional experience
B. The rising cost of daily necessities

C. The desire to reduce family financial burden
D. The need to pay for personal living costs

Question 33. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined proverb in paragraph 2?

A. Accepting gradual progress by minimizing effort so that success comes with minimal struggle.

B. Avoiding challenges early on in order to secure immediate comfort and convenience afterward.

C. Experiencing success quickly without significant effort, followed by increasing difficulties over time.

D. Enduring initial hardship and sustained effort before eventually attaining reward or satisfaction.

Question 34. The word “them” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. customers
B. students
C. careers
D. coworkers

Question 35. The word “self-reliant” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. ambitious
B. confident
C. dependent
D. generous

Question 36. The phrase keep the wolf from the door in paragraph 4 is CLOSEST in meaning to ____________.

A. avoid letting the wolf enter into the house
B. earn enough to meet basic living needs

C. prevent sudden and unexpected financial losses
D. reduce spending to improve long-term savings

Question 37. What is the author’s attitude toward choosing part-time jobs for students?

A. Mildly critical, underscoring the potential imbalance between academic commitments and career responsibilities.

B. Strongly supportive, emphasizing the comprehensive benefits for students’ personal growth and future readiness.

C. Completely neutral, presenting a balanced overview of both the merits and drawbacks of student employment.

D. Firmly opposed, highlighting the detrimental effects on students’ academic performance and intellectual growth.

Question 38. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the passage?

A. Working part-time invariably jeopardizes students’ academic performance and long-term educational outcomes.

B. Students may initially encounter difficulties balancing work and study before recognizing its long-term benefits.

C. Part-time jobs can enhance communication skills through regular interaction with customers and colleagues.

D. Earning an income enables students to alleviate financial burdens while fostering independence and responsibility.

Question 39. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Academic excellence is significantly improved due to the direct consequence of engaging in part-time work.

B. Economic necessity is the predominant driver for all students seeking employment to cover their expenditure.

C. Most students are compelled to work part-time because their families cannot support them financially.

D. The experience gained from part-time employment may enhance students’ capacity for self-regulation.

Question 40. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

A. Part-time jobs primarily assist students in addressing financial concerns while presenting certain challenges in managing academic responsibilities.

B. University students confront multifaceted challenges in reconciling academic demands with social obligations and personal responsibilities.

C. Part-time employment equips students with essential skills, financial independence, time management, and long-term personal development.

D. Part-time jobs should remain students’ sole priority, as employment may undermine their educational focus and overall performance.