Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that b...

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

A HEALTHIER WAY TO WORK

Do you feel tired and unproductive at work? Sitting at a desk all day can be really (1) ____________. That's why more companies are introducing standing desks. Studies show that standing while working can increase energy levels and reduce the risk of (2) ____________ caused by sitting for long hours.

A new company has launched an innovative desk (3) ____________ 'Sit & Stand' that can switch between sitting and standing positions with just the push of a button. This allows workers to adjust their posture (4) ______ different tasks throughout the day.

If you want to feel more energetic and focused at work, you can (5) ____________ research on the benefits of standing desks. And if you want (6) ____________ a more active work routine, this new trend might be perfect for you!

Question 1: 

A. uncomfortable
B. comfort
C. comfortably
D. comfortable

Question 2: 

A. serious health problems
B. problems serious health

C. serious problems health
D. health serious problems

Question 3:
A. was called
B. called
C. which called
D. calling

Question 4:
A. by
B. with
C. in
D. to

Question 5:
A. put
B. do
C. take
D. make

Question 6:
A. adopt
B. to adopting
C. adopted
D. to adopt

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 7 to 14.

Peer Pressure Among Youth

        Peer pressure can be particularly prevalent among teenagers, who are at a vulnerable stage of development and seeking their identity. It is a powerful force that can significantly impact the thoughts, actions, and behaviors of teenagers. During adolescence, individuals strive for acceptance and belonging, making them particularly susceptible to the influence of their peers. Understanding the nature of peer pressure and its effects is essential for supporting teenagers in navigating this challenging aspect of their social lives.

        One aspect of peer pressure is the pressure to conform to the norms and expectations of a social group. Teenagers may feel compelled to adopt certain behaviors, preferences, or attitudes to fit in and avoid social rejection. This conformity can range from relatively harmless choices, such as fashion trends, to more concerning behaviors, such as substance abuse or risky activities.

        Peer pressure can manifest in both explicit and implicit ways. Direct peer pressure involves explicit requests, invitations, or demands from peers to engage in specific actions or behaviors. Indirect or implicit peer pressure, on the other hand, is more subtle and involves observing others' behaviors and feeling pressured to conform without any explicit requests. This type of pressure can be equally influential and difficult for teenagers to navigate.

        It is important to note that peer pressure can have positive or negative implications. Positive peer pressure can motivate teenagers to engage in healthy behaviors, such as participating in sports, pursuing academic goals, or engaging in community service. However, it can lead to risky or harmful behaviors, such as substance abuse, delinquency, or academic underachievement.

        Parents, educators, and mentors play a crucial role in helping teenagers navigate peer pressure. By fostering open and supportive relationships, adults can provide a safe space for teenagers to discuss their experiences and concerns. Promoting critical thinking, assertiveness skills, and self-confidence can empower teenagers to resist negative peer pressure and make independent, healthy choices.

(Adapted from "Peer Pressure: Its Influence on Teens and Decision Making”)

Question 7: The word "conform" in paragraph 2 is opposite in meaning to:

A. imitate
B. resist
C. adapt
D. follow

Question 8: According to the text, what are some examples of positive peer pressure?

        A. Engaging in substance abuse and risky activities.

        B. Participating in sports, pursuing academic goals, or doing community service.

        C. Avoiding social rejection and fitting into a group.

        D. Using social media and following fashion trends.

Question 9: The phrase "social rejection" in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by:

A. social engagement
B. social approval

C. social interaction
D. social exclusion

Question 10: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

        A. Friends can influence each other by their actions and behaviors without direct communication.

        B. Observing the behaviors of those around us to conform in order to avoid being different.

        C. Indirect peer pressure is easier to recognize and avoid than direct requests from peers.

        D. Peer pressure can be seen directly through demands made by friends.

Question 11: The word "it" in paragraph 4 refers to:

A. negative behavior
B. academic performance

C. peer pressure
D. social group

Question 12: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

        A. All peer pressure is easy to identify.

        B. Positive peer pressure can lead to healthy behaviors.

        C. Peer pressure has only negative effects on teenagers.

        D. Teenagers do not seek social acceptance.

Question 13: In which paragraph does the writer discuss the role of adults in addressing peer pressure?

A. Paragraph 5
B. Paragraph 3
C. Paragraph 2
D. Paragraph 4

Question 14: In which paragraph does the writer explain the different forms of peer pressure?

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

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 21 to 25.

        The Miss Universe competition, recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious events in the world, (21) ____________. In recent years, the competition has placed greater emphasis on personal achievements, advocacy work, and the ability to inspire, providing a unique opportunity for women (22) ____________. This fosters a sense of unity and purpose among diverse cultures while also enabling them to enjoy the benefits of global travel and international recognition.

        Driven by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, (23) ____________. This crowning moment serves not only as a celebration but also as a powerful affirmation of the values and accomplishments the competition seeks to promote. (24) ____________.

        As Miss Universe continues to evolve, it serves as a powerful reminder that the concept of beauty encompasses far more than mere physical appearance. (25) ____________. This significant shift encourages contestants to prioritize making a meaningful difference in their communities rather than solely focusing on traditional notions of beauty.

(Adapted from VOX)

Question 21: 

        A. of which talent and empowerment were celebrated

        B. stands as a celebration of talent and empowerment

        C. having been regarded as a symbol of talent and empowerment

        D. that has talent and empowerment celebrated

Question 22: 

A. whose engagement in social projects aimed at positive change allows them to use their platforms to raise awareness about global issues

B. the platforms of whom enables them to leverage their involvement in social projects focused on creating positive change to raise awareness about global issues

C. enhanced understanding of global issues through their platforms by taking part in social initiatives designed to create a positive impact

D. promoted awareness of global issues through involvement in social projects intended to foster positive change

Question 23: 

A. women from across the globe showcase their talents and perspectives through the competitions

B. the competition showcases talents and perspectives from women across the globe

C. the globe is home to a variety of talents and perspectives showcased by the competition’s participants

D. talents and perspectives from women across the globe take center stage in the competition

Question 24: 

A. The event promotes traditional beauty standards that focus solely on physical appearance

B. The event becomes a celebration of individuality and the shared goal of making a positive impact on the world

C. The final outcomes are determined by celebrity judges focused on entertainment value

D. Focusing on celebrity endorsements and media buzz, the event becomes a spectacle.

Question 25: 

A. The competition has become a platform so that contestants can promote social issues unique to their cultures and communities

B. The pageant has set a new standard in beauty contests, emphasizing inner strength, social impact, and a commitment to global unity among diverse cultures

C. Without focusing on physical beauty, it would have gradually shifted to cultural awareness and personal achievements among participants

D. Broadening its values, the pageant highlights the role of contestants as advocates and influencers

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 26 to 35.

        In an era of increasing global awareness, debates around sustainable practices such as fair trade, organic farming, and recycling are gaining prominence. Farmers in developing countries are among the most vulnerable people, dependent on world commodity markets, middlemen, and unpredictable weather.

        (I) Fair trade arrangements aim to support cooperative groups by guaranteeing prices above the world market rate and additional bonuses. (II). However, critics argue that fair trade may not lift a country out of poverty. (III) They claim that most of the money generated from sales goes to wealthy countries that promote these products. (IV) In fact, only about 5% of the sale price of a fair-trade chocolate bar (retailing for £1.73 in the UK) reaches the poor country.

        Another significant trend is the rise of organic food, marketed as being free of chemicals, which appeals to consumers concerned about the dangers of chemicals in food. These chemicals are suspected of causing various health problems, including cancer and developmental issues in children. Despite these concerns, British farmers have not converted to organic farming in large enough numbers to meet the demand. As a result, supermarkets often import organic vegetables from distant countries, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation. Environmentalists are now urging consumers to buy locally grown vegetables, even if they are pesticide-treated, suggesting a good wash can minimize the risk.

        In recent years, a shift has occurred in how we handle waste. Once content to bury it in landfills or dump it at sea, we are now encouraged to recycle and treat waste as a resource. This shift has led to more widespread kerbside collections for various materials like paper, plastic, and metal. However, recycling has unintended consequences. Most of the UK's recyclables are sent to China or India, which incurs additional environmental costs from transportation. In these countries, workers often sort waste under dangerous conditions. Sometimes, materials that are sorted at home still end up in landfills because the market for them fluctuates.

        While efforts to promote sustainability are commendable, they require constant evaluation to ensure they truly benefit people and the environment, rather than creating new inequalities or environmental harm.

Question 26: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

"This growing fair-trade market has distributed hundreds of millions of pounds to over 50 million people worldwide."

A. (II)
B. (I)
C. (IV)
D. (III)

Question 27: The phrase "gaining prominence" could be best replaced by:

A. being ignored
B. rising in price

C. becoming less significant
D. gaining popularity

Question 28: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge faced by farmers in developing countries?

A. lack of access to modern technology
B. reliance on middlemen

C. dependence on world commodity markets
D. exposure to unpredictable weather

Question 29: The word "they" in paragraph 2 refers to:

A. greenhouse gas emissions
B. consumers

C. locally grown vegetables
D. environmentalists

Question 30: Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?

A. One of the reasons why consumers prefer organic food is because it is perceived as healthier and free from chemicals.

B. Due to environmental issues, British farmers are unable to fully meet the increasing demand for organic vegetables.

C. Environmentalists encourage individuals to buy locally grown vegetables to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

D. The popularity of organic food in Britain exceeds local supply, which leads to imports and environmental issues.

Question 31: What is the opposite of "incurs" as used in the passage?

A. secures
B. exposes
C. experiences
D. avoids

Question 32: According to the passage, what is a primary reason critics are skeptical about the effectiveness of fair trade in eliminating poverty?

        A. The guaranteed price for commodities is often lower than the actual world market rate.

        B. Fair trade organizations fail to provide additional bonuses to cooperative groups.

        C. A significant portion of the profits remains with the wealthy countries that market the products.

        D. Only 5% of fair-trade products reach the markets of developing countries like the UK.

Question 33: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence?

        A. The process of recycling has become more expensive due to modern technology.

        B. Waste management programs have been reduced in the UK because of organic produce.

        C. More people are now using kerbside bins for waste collection instead of burying it .

        D. There has been an increase in recycling services for materials like paper and plastic.

Question 34: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage above?

        A. Sustainable practices can lead to environmental harm if not carefully evaluated.

        B. Environmentalists prioritize local food production over global sustainability efforts.

        C. Fair trade has no significant impact on the global economy.

        D. Local farming is less harmful to the environment than organic farming.

Question 35: Which of the following best summarizes the main point of the passage?

A. Recycling is a futile effort that creates more harm than good because it takes a long time to transport waste,which results in a large amount of carbon footprint.

B. Consumers should focus on buying organic products to protect their health and plastic waste should be treated properly so that it can be turned into helpful products.

C. Sustainability practices, such as fair trade, organic food, and recycling, are essential for the environment, but they require further evaluation to avoid unintended consequences.

D. Fair trade and organic farming have not yet reached their full potential in global markets because they are so expensive for consumers to buy.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 36 to 40.

Question 36: 

Dear Emily,

A. I hope you're doing well! I just got back from an amazing trip to Italy and had to tell you about it.

B. If you ever get the chance to visit Italy, you should go! I’d love for us to travel together someday.

C. I loved the food, especially the pizza in Naples!

D. It was the perfect getaway and a much-needed break from routine.

e. The locals were so welcoming, and learning a few Italian phrases helped.

f. The views at the Amalfi Coast were breathtaking, and I explored beautiful cities like Venice and Rome.

Take care,

Sarah

A. a-f-e-d-c-b
B. a-f-c-e-d-b
C. a-e-d-c-b-f
D. a-f-c-d-e-b

Question 37: 

A.  Olivia: Hey, Max! Did you catch that new movie everyone’s talking about?

B.  Max: Hi, Olivia! Yes, I saw it last night. It was fantastic!

C.  Olivia: I’ve heard great reviews. What did you like most about it?

A. a-c-b
B. b-a-c
C. a-b-c
D. c-b-a

Question 38: 

A. However, once the foundation is laid, the real work begins as they start building more complex systems of thought and understanding.

B. Learning a new language is challenging, especially at the beginning when students are overwhelmed by grammar rules and unfamiliar vocabulary.

C. With continuous practice, learners gradually develop confidence in their speaking, listening, and writing skills, although progress may seem slow at first.

D. Many language learners experience frustration early on, but it's important to remember that fluency comes with time and dedication.

e. In the end, the sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering a language makes the effort worthwhile, opening doors to new cultures and opportunities.

A. b – a – c – d – e
B. a – b – d – e – c
C. d – b – a – c – e
D. b – d – a – c – e

Question 39: 

A.  Mark: I was thinking about that new Italian place downtown. I’ve heard their pasta is amazing.

B.  Jenny: Ooh, Italian sounds perfect! Should we make a reservation just in case?

C.  Mark: Hey Jenny, do you feel like going out for dinner tonight?

D.  Mark: Good idea, I’ll call them now. Let’s aim for 7 PM?

e. Jenny: That sounds great! Do you have any place in mind?

A. a - c - b - e - d
B. b - c - a - e - d
C. c- e - a - b - d
D. c - b - e - a - d

Question 40: 

A. As public transportation becomes more automated and accessible, urban residents may find it easier to commute while reducing their environmental footprint.

B. Urban life in the future is likely to be shaped by advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability.

C. Cities will increasingly rely on smart systems, such as AI-driven traffic management and energy-efficient infrastructure, to address the challenges of overcrowding and pollution.

D. Despite these innovations, cities will need to address social issues, ensuring that technological progress benefits all residents and not just a privileged few.

e. Vertical farming and green architecture are expected to become common, blending nature with urban spaces to improve air quality and provide healthier living conditions.

A. c - b - e - a – d
B. c - b - a - e – d
C. b - c - a - e – d
D. a - c - b - e – d