Time allowed: Approximately 30 minutes Total tasks: 2
Part 1: Summarize Written Text
Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Word limit: 5-75 words
Passage 1
Museums have traditionally served as repositories for cultural artifacts and educational institutions for the public. However, the role of museums in contemporary society is evolving as these institutions grapple with questions about their collections, their audiences, and their broader social responsibilities. Many museums are reconsidering how they acquired their collections, with increasing pressure to return objects taken during colonial periods to their countries of origin.
Beyond provenance concerns, museums are rethinking how they present and interpret their collections. Traditional approaches that presented artifacts in isolation with minimal context are giving way to exhibitions that tell more complex stories, acknowledge multiple perspectives, and engage with contemporary issues. Museums are working to become more accessible and welcoming to diverse audiences, recognizing that their visitor demographics often do not reflect the communities they serve. This includes not only addressing physical accessibility but also questioning whose stories are told and whose voices are centered in museum narratives.
Digital technology is transforming museum experiences and expanding their reach. Virtual exhibitions and online collections allow people worldwide to access cultural heritage that they could never see in person. Interactive displays and augmented reality enhance visitor engagement and learning. Social media enables museums to build communities and participate in broader cultural conversations. However, these digital opportunities also raise questions about how technology changes the museum experience and whether virtual access can substitute for physical presence with original objects. As museums navigate these challenges, they are being forced to articulate their purposes and values more clearly than ever before.
Your summary (5-75 words, ONE sentence only):
Part 2: Write Essay
You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
Essay Topic
With the increasing use of technology in education, some people believe that the role of teachers will become unnecessary in the future. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Support your point of view with reasons and examples from your own experience or observations.
Your essay (200-300 words):