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

Read the following piece of news 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 9 to 14.

Endangered Penguin Species

        Penguins are the second-most threatened bird group worldwide due to climate change, overfishing, diseases, and habitat destruction. The (9) ____________ of penguins in the Southern Hemisphere is declining rapidly. African and Galápagos penguins are found north of the equator. Flightless penguins have evolved strong, dense bodies and waterproof feathers, allowing them (10) ____________ underwater and survive freezing waters. Their strong feet help them walk long distances on ice and swim (11) ____________.

        Penguins (12) ____________ a significant effect on marine biodiversity. Nine out of 18 penguin species have been deemed endangered and vulnerable due to warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing, while African penguins’ populations have declined by 70%. Over 90% of Emperor Penguins could be wiped out by 2100, caused by the rapid melting of sea ice, (13) ____________ is classified as one of the most serious threats to their survival. Conservation measures are continuously (14) ____________ to protect these charismatic aquatic birds and their habitats.

(Adapted from https://earth.org/biodiversity)

Question 9.
A. volume
B. amount
C. number
D. level

Question 10.
A. flying
B. to fly
C. fly
D. to flying

Question 11.
A. efficiency
B. inefficient
C. efficient
D. efficiently

Question 12.
A. have
B. take
C. make
D. give

Question 13.
A. who
B. which
C. when
D. that

Question 14.
A. gone out
B. taken out
C. carried out
D. kept out

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a cohesive and coherent exchange or text in each of the following questions from 15 to 19.

Question 15.        

A. Over recent years, with advancements in technology, working online has become a reality for many people.

B. Companies also benefit from online work by accessing a wider talent pool, often hiring individuals from different cities or even countries.

C. The rise of virtual tools, like video conferencing and cloud storage, has made it possible for people to work from almost any location.

D. However, despite these advantages, some still miss the in-person collaboration that office spaces once provided.

e. This flexibility allows employees to maintain a better work-life balance, as they

no longer need to commute daily to an office.

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

Question 16.        

A.  Mia: That sounds exciting! Where do you plan on going?

B.  Mia: Sounds amazing! I hope you all have an unforgettable trip.

C.  Sam: We’re going to explore some national parks. We all love nature and hiking.

D.  Mia: How are you planning to spend your summer break?

e. Sam: I’m planning to take a road trip with some friends.

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

Question 17.        

A.  Sarah: Hi, Tom. Not yet, but I’m planning to study this weekend to catch up on the topics.

B.  Tom: Hi, Sarah! Have you started preparing for the math exam?

C.  Tom: Maybe we can study together-it’ll help us stay focused and clear up any doubts.

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

Question 18.        

Hi Ethan,

A. The topic is about renewable energy, but I’m struggling to find good sources of information.

B. I hope you’re doing well! I need some help with my science project, and I thought of you.

C. Since you did a similar project last year, I was wondering if you could recommend some books or websites.

D. Let me know if you have time to chat – I’d really appreciate your advice!

e. Also, if you have any tips on how to present the project, that would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!

Liam

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

Question 19.        

A. Another outcome of climate change is the threat it poses to agriculture, as farmers struggle with unpredictable weather that disrupts harvests.

B. Its clearest consequence is the increase in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, which can now occur in any country.

C. This environmental shift highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices, requiring changes from both governments and individuals.

D. If ignored, these issues may severely impact future generations and biodiversity as a whole.

e. Climate change, causing changes in weather patterns, is negatively affecting human life.

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

Read the 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 20 to 29.

The Science Behind Digital Detox: Fact or Fashion?

        In recent years, the concept of a “digital detox”- a period during which an individual refrains from using electronic devices - has surged in popularity. From luxury retreats that confiscate guests’ smartphones to mobile applications designed to limit screen time, the market for “unplugging” is expanding. While the idea of resetting the brain by disconnecting from technology is appealing to many chronically connected users, researchers are now questioning whether this practice provides genuine psychological benefits or is merely a passing health trend.

        To understand the phenomenon, one must first define its scope. For some, a digital detox involves complete abstention from all digital tools for a week. For others, it is more targeted, such as silencing notifications or deleting a specific social media app that consumes excessive time. The primary motivations behind these efforts are usually to break compulsive habits, reclaim focus, and redirect energy toward more productive, real-world activities. Proponents of the practice claim that it reduces stress and improves mental clarity.

        However, the growing demand for these interventions does not necessarily guarantee their effectiveness. Much of the support for digital detoxing comes from anecdotal evidence and online testimonials. While these positive reviews can be persuasive, they are often biased. For instance, an individual who invests a significant amount of money in an expensive tech-free retreat may feel psychologically compelled to report a positive outcome to justify the expense. This is a common bias in self-reported wellness data.

        To determine if digital detoxing truly works, scientific scrutiny is essential. [I] Controlled experimental studies are needed to distinguish between the “placebo effect” of taking a vacation and the actual benefits of removing technology. [II] Early research suggests that while temporary disconnection can lower immediate anxiety, the effects often vanish once the individual returns to their normal routine.

        [III] Therefore, the long-term solution may not be a total detox, but rather the development of sustainable digital habits. [IV] As the debate continues, the focus is shifting from “quitting” technology to finding a healthier balance in an increasingly digital world.

(Adapted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/digital-detox#benefits)

Question 20. The word “surged” in paragraph 1 mostly means ____________.

A. changed
B. increased
C. remained
D. decreased

Question 21. Which of the following is mentioned as one form of a digital detox?

A. Attending a retreat where personal smartphones are temporarily taken away.

B. Participating in therapy sessions focused on reducing workplace pressure.

C. Replacing digital communication with handwritten letters and journals.

D. Avoiding all modern technology for professional and academic purposes.

Question 22. According to paragraph 2, which of the following is mentioned as a primary motivation for engaging in a digital detox?

A. To regain concentration on meaningful activities

B. To strengthen one’s online influence and visibility

C. To increase efficiency in professional communication

D. To expand participation in digital social networks

Question 23. The word “abstention” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

A. avoidance
B. withdrawal
C. balance
D. connection

Question 24. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of paragraph 3?

A. Anecdotal evidence supporting digital detox is often unreliable and biased.

B. Scientific studies have confirmed the benefits reported by detox participants.

C. Most digital detox programs are too expensive for the average person.

D. The effectiveness of digital detox is proven by user testimonials.

Question 25. The pronoun “they” in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

A. interventions
B. proponents
C. reviews
D. testimonials

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

This suggests that the perceived benefits might be short-lived rather than transformative.

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

Question 27. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. The discussion about technology’s role is moving towards complete abandonment.

B. People are less concerned with stopping technology use and more with integrating it healthily.

C. A healthier balance in the digital world means completely avoiding technology.

D. The controversy around digital use is ending as everyone agrees to quit technology.

Question 28. What can be inferred about the future approach to digital wellness based on the passage?

A. Digital detox retreats may gradually lose appeal as doubts about their long-term impact increase.

B. Ongoing scientific research is likely to confirm the lasting psychological value of short detox periods.

C. Complete withdrawal from digital technology may become a widely accepted lifestyle choice.

D. Greater attention will be given to managing technology use in a balanced and sustainable way.

Question 29. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Scientific discussions increasingly question whether digital detox practices can produce lasting psychological benefits beyond short-term relief.

B. Digital detox has gained widespread popularity due to strong evidence showing its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mental well-being.

C. Although digital detox is widely promoted, its benefits remain uncertain, leading to a shift toward developing healthier long-term technology habits.

D. The rise of digital detox programs mainly reflects consumer willingness to invest in expensive retreats rather than genuine mental health concerns.

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 30 to 35.

HEALTHY LIVING: A GUIDE FOR TEENS

        Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for both physical and mental well-being during your high school years. (30) ____________, due to the heavy pressure of schoolwork and exams, many teenagers neglect their health, resulting (31) ____________ exhaustion and poor academic performance. Here are some simple steps to stay healthy and active:

• Make sure to drink enough water (32) ____________ day to keep your body hydrated.

• Consume (33) ____________ rich in vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system.

• Avoid (34) ____________ consumption of fast food and sugary drinks which can lead to obesity.

• Exercise regularly and get enough sleep to keep fit and stay in the (35) ____________ of health!

(Adapted from https://www.healthline.com)

Question 30.
A. Therefore
B. However
C. Moreover
D. Otherwise

Question 31.
A. from
B. of
C. in
D. at

Question 32.
A. all
B. many
C. much
D. every

Question 33.
A. balanced whole-grain food
B. food balanced whole-grain

C. whole-grain balanced food
D. balanced food whole-grain

Question 34.
A. excessive
B. passive
C. sensitive
D. positive

Question 35.
A. red
B. blue
C. pink
D. green

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 36 to 40.

        Choosing a career from many possible professional paths is clearly a complex process, and personal goals often determine the final decision. Some individuals engage in a thorough analysis, where information is gathered regarding various industries, (36) ____________. Other candidates with little desire to explore different possibilities (37) ____________, usually for convenience rather than to ensure long-term job satisfaction. This approach is often called convenient career choice.

        Many job seekers also show a tendency to follow traditional paths, where career choices differ only slightly from what is commonly accepted. (38) ____________. Also, some graduates who have been influenced by their parents’ success may opt to follow in their footsteps without question.

        Finally, some young professionals will make career moves on impulse. (39) ____________. It is, in fact, a trend that is becoming increasingly noticeable – to the concern of employers, who then face higher turnover rates and fewer opportunities to build a stable workforce in the long run. (40) ____________, where “adaptability” needs to be prioritized, and this can be driven by the rapidly changing gig economy in particular.

(Adapted from The Modern Workplace Review)

Question 36.

A. each of which is carefully examined and compared with personal skills

B. every one of them undergoes examination and comparison with personal skills

C. when it is similarly examined and compared with personal skills

D. those with similarities to other jobs will be examined and compared carefully

Question 37.

A. be aware to limit themselves to a narrow range of options

B. being consciously limited themselves to fewer options

C. will consciously limit themselves to a narrow range of options

D. fewer options are consciously limited to themselves

Question 38.

A. Family traditions, by contrast, are common among these seekers

B. This is a common pattern among those following family traditions, for example

C. By contrast, a tradition-following pattern is seen among family seekers

D. This is a common example of families with tradition to a seeker pattern

Question 39.

A. The decisions involve little risk, which means they are better known and more preferred by typical employee

B. While this is more common in low-risk choices, it is by no means unusual among career builders

C. It does not matter whether choices are unknown, it is typical for builders to choose careers with little risk

D. In the meantime, careers with little risk are known to be choices usually preferred by many builders

Question 40.

A. Though such trait of flexible selection proves to be necessary

B. So necessary is such selection trait that it proves to be flexible

C. Such trait is so flexible that it proves to be necessary to employees

D. Such flexible selection proves to be a necessary trait, though