Time allowed: 29-30 minutes Total questions: 20
Part 1: Reading & Writing: Fill in the Blanks
Below is a text with blanks. Select the appropriate word from the dropdown list for each blank.
Question 1-5
Passage: The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has 1 {{ANSWER:1}} rapidly over the past few decades, transforming from a theoretical concept into practical applications that affect our daily lives. Early AI systems were 2 {{ANSWER:2}} on rule-based programming, where developers had to explicitly code every possible scenario. However, modern AI utilizes machine learning algorithms that can 3 {{ANSWER:3}} from data without being explicitly programmed. This 4 {{ANSWER:4}} has enabled AI to excel in areas such as image recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous driving. Despite these advancements, researchers continue to 5 {{ANSWER:5}} with challenges related to AI ethics, bias, and transparency.
1 Options: evolved, revolted, dissolved
2 Options: based, biased, basis, basing
3 Options: teach, learn, train, study
4 Options: shift, shaft, shape, sharp
5 Options: grapple, grab, graph, grasp
Part 2: Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
Read the text and answer the question by selecting all the correct responses. More than one response is correct.
Question 6-7
Passage: Urban Green Spaces
Urban green spaces, such as parks, gardens, and tree-lined streets, provide numerous benefits to city dwellers. Research has consistently shown that access to green spaces improves both physical and mental health. People living near parks tend to engage in more physical activity, leading to lower rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, green spaces offer psychological benefits by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. Children who play in natural environments show improved attention spans and reduced symptoms of ADHD.
Beyond individual health benefits, urban green spaces contribute to environmental sustainability. Trees and vegetation help filter air pollutants, reduce urban heat island effects, and manage stormwater runoff. They also provide habitat for wildlife, supporting urban biodiversity. Economically, properties near well-maintained parks typically have higher values, and green spaces can attract tourists and businesses to an area.
However, the distribution of green spaces in cities is often unequal, with wealthier neighbourhoods typically having better access. This environmental injustice means that low-income communities, which often face higher pollution levels and health challenges, have less access to the very resources that could improve their wellbeing.
Question 6: According to the text, what are the benefits of urban green spaces for individuals?
A. They reduce obesity rates B. They increase property taxes C. They improve mental health D. They enhance children's attention spans E. They provide employment opportunities
{{ANSWER:6}}
Question 7: What environmental benefits do urban green spaces provide?
A. They filter air pollutants B. They increase rainfall C. They reduce urban heat D. They eliminate all wildlife E. They manage stormwater
{{ANSWER:7}}
Part 3: Re-order Paragraphs
The text boxes below have been placed in a random order. Restore the original order.
Question 8-11
A As a result, many species that were once common are now endangered or extinct, fundamentally altering ecosystems worldwide.
B This has led to habitat destruction on an unprecedented scale, with forests cleared for agriculture and wetlands drained for development.
C Human activities have dramatically transformed the Earth's landscapes over the past few centuries.
D The expansion of agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization has required vast amounts of land.
Correct order:
8 {{ANSWER:8}} → 9 {{ANSWER:9}} → 10 {{ANSWER:10}} → 11 {{ANSWER:11}}
Part 4: Reading: Fill in the Blanks
Below is a text with blanks. Drag and drop the words from the word bank to complete the text.
Question 12-16
Passage: The Science of Sleep
Sleep is a 12 {{ANSWER:12}} process that is essential for physical and mental health. During sleep, the body undergoes numerous 13 {{ANSWER:13}} processes, including tissue repair, muscle growth, and hormone regulation. The brain also uses this time to consolidate 14 {{ANSWER:14}} and process information from the day. Lack of adequate sleep can lead to serious health problems, including weakened immune function, increased risk of chronic diseases, and impaired 15 {{ANSWER:15}} abilities. Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night to function 16 {{ANSWER:16}}.
Word Bank: vital, memories, cognitive, restorative, optimally, therapeutic
Part 5: Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
Read the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.
Question 17
Passage: The Impact of Social Media on Democracy
Social media platforms have fundamentally changed how people consume news and engage with political information. While these platforms can facilitate democratic participation by enabling citizens to share information and organize collectively, they also present significant challenges. The algorithms that determine what content users see often create "filter bubbles," where people are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to increased polarization and decreased exposure to diverse viewpoints.
Furthermore, the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms has become a serious concern. False or misleading content can spread faster than factual information, particularly when it evokes strong emotional responses. During elections, coordinated disinformation campaigns have been used to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in democratic institutions. The anonymity and low cost of social media make it an attractive tool for both domestic and foreign actors seeking to influence political outcomes.
Question 17: What is the main concern expressed in the passage about social media's impact on democracy?
A Social media platforms charge too much for political advertising B Algorithms and misinformation can undermine democratic processes C People spend too much time on social media platforms D Social media companies have too many employees
{{ANSWER:17}}
Part 6: Multiple Choice, Choose Single Answer
Question 18
Passage: Renewable Energy Transition
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century. While renewable technologies like solar and wind power have become increasingly cost-competitive, the intermittent nature of these energy sources presents challenges for grid stability. Energy storage solutions, such as advanced batteries, are essential for managing the variability of renewable generation. However, current storage technologies are still expensive and have limited capacity.
Another challenge is the need for significant infrastructure investment. Transitioning to a renewable energy system requires upgrading transmission networks, building new generation facilities, and potentially restructuring energy markets. Despite these challenges, many countries have set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, driven by concerns about climate change and energy security.
Question 18: According to the passage, what is a major technical challenge in renewable energy adoption?
A Renewable energy is too expensive compared to fossil fuels B There are not enough workers trained in renewable energy C The intermittent nature of renewable sources affects grid stability D Renewable energy technologies are not yet invented
{{ANSWER:18}}
Part 7: Multiple Choice, Choose Multiple Answers
Question 19-20
Passage: The Gut Microbiome
The human gut microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive system, and research has revealed that these tiny inhabitants play a crucial role in our health. The gut microbiome helps digest food, produces essential vitamins, and trains the immune system to distinguish between harmful pathogens and beneficial microbes. Recent studies have also found connections between gut bacteria and mental health, with some researchers describing the gut as the "second brain."
An imbalanced gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to numerous health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, and even depression and anxiety. Factors that can disrupt the gut microbiome include antibiotics, poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep. Conversely, consuming fermented foods, eating a diverse diet rich in fiber, and managing stress can promote a healthy microbiome.
The field of microbiome research is still relatively new, but it has already led to innovative treatments. Fecal microbiota transplantation, where healthy gut bacteria from a donor are transferred to a patient, has shown remarkable success in treating certain infections. Scientists are also exploring how manipulating the gut microbiome might help treat a wide range of conditions.
Question 19: According to the passage, what functions does the gut microbiome perform?
A. Helps digest food B. Produces vitamins C. Regulates body temperature D. Trains the immune system E. Controls muscle movement
{{ANSWER:19}}
Question 20: What factors can negatively affect the gut microbiome?
A. Antibiotics B. Exercise C. Poor diet D. Adequate sleep E. Stress
{{ANSWER:20}}