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.

“EVERMORE”: TAYLOR SWIFT’S LATEST ALBUM OF HEART AND SOUL

Are you familiar with the household name “Taylor Swift”, the iconic singer-songwriter? She’s back, taking the music by storm with her latest album, “Evermore”. (1) ______ as a surprise to fans, the album showcases Swift’s unparalleled talent for (2) ______ throughout her music. Featuring a mix (3) ______ folk, indie, and pop sounds, “Evermore” offers a refreshing and captivating experience. From the catchy hooks of singles like “Willow” to the emotional depth of ballads like “Champagne Problems”, “Evermore” solidifies her reputation as one of the (4) ______ artists of our time. Whether you’re a dedicated Swiftie or simply a music enthusiast, “Evermore” is worth (5) ______ that promises to (6) ______ a lasting impression on you.

(Adapted from http://www.elle.com)

Question 1:
A. Which release B. Releasing C. Released D. Release

Question 2:
A. powerful storytelling lyrical B. lyrical powerful storytelling

C. storytelling lyrical powerful D. powerful lyrical storytelling

Question 3:
A. in B. on C. of D. over

Question 4:
A. influence B. influential C. influentially D. influenced

Question 5:
A. listen B. to listen C. to listening D. listening

Question 6:
A. leave B. take C. put D. hold

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

LOVE COOKING WITH THE VEGGIE WHIZ!

Are you ready to revolutionize your kitchen? The Veggie Whizz is the ultimate kitchen gadget for every home cook who loves fresh produce! Experience the joy of cooking as you whip up delicious salads, soups, and stir-fries, along with (7) ______ creative dishes, in no time.

Features:

•  Easily chops, slices, dices, and shreds all your favourite veggies. 

•  From onions and peppers to carrots and potatoes, the Veggie Whiz (8) ______ your time and tears.

•  Easy to use and clean, the Veggie Whiz makes healthy eating a (9) ______. Whether you're a beginner or a (10) ______ chef, this handy gadget will enhance your cooking skills. (11) ______ what some may believe about cooking being time-consuming, the Veggie Whizz allows you to quickly prep your ingredients and get cooking in no time. 

Make cooking fun and exciting while discovering new (12) ______ that are full of flavor and nutrition! Join the veggie revolution today and see the difference for yourself! 

(Adapted from Leminest.com)

Question 7:  A. another B. others C. the other D. other

Question 8:  A. drops out of B. goes down with
         C. cuts down on D. comes up with

Question 9:  A. puff B. breeze C. wind D. blow

Question 10:  A. flavored B. spiced C. seasoned D. peppered

Question 11:
A. Instead of B. Contrary to C. Due to D. On account of

Question 12:
A. principles B. formulas C. procedures D. recipes

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 13 to 20.

AI ALL AROUND US

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the development of computer systems that can carry out tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as interpretation and decision-making. Using complex mathematical rules called Algorithm, AI enables machines to process large amounts of information and imitate real human brain functions. The amazing accuracy and efficiency of AI have resulted in its widespread use in a variety of areas, and there are already a number of different applications for the technology.

Nowadays, AI-powered robots are becoming increasingly common. Industrial robots, for instance, are widely used to perform tasks related to manufacturing, like painting and product assembly. Experts have said that these robots are designed to work with a high level of accuracy and speed, which improves productivity in factories. There are also AI-equipped rescue robots that can be used to help save lives in emergency situations. These machines can make intelligent choices to avoid obstacles in dangerous environments. This makes them perfect for use in disaster zones.

At the same time, AI is also being used to power gadgets that help us in our daily lives. Private digital assistants, for example, can understand and respond to users' voice commands, which makes them useful for simple tasks like looking up information online and scheduling appointments. AI-powered navigation apps can use real-time data processing to help us find the quickest and most efficient routes to our destinations when we are travelling. A diet tracker is another type of AI application that can provide users with nutrition recommendations based on their specific needs. In this way, AI is changing our routines and personal habits.

AI is a rapidly developing technology that is not only transforming industries but also changing our daily lives and doing tasks that used to be considered impossible for machines. In the years to come, we can surely expect more innovative and amazing AI applications.

(Adapted from Bright)

Question 13: Which of the following is not mentioned in paragraph 1 about artificial intelligence?

A. AI enables machines to imitate human brain functions.
B. AI is widely used in many different areas.
C. Algorithms are complex mathematical rules used in AI.
D. AI is primarily used for manufacturing and assembly line tasks.

Question 14: The word efficiency in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. inequality B. inability C. capacity D. productivity

Question 15: What does the word them in paragraph 2 refer to?

A. machines B. obstacles C. choices D. environments

Question 16: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. These machines have the ability to make smart decisions to destroy obstacles in risky environments.
B. These machines are able to make wise decisions to navigate around obstacles in every environment.
C. These machines are capable of making smart decisions to steer clear of obstacles in hazardous settings.
D. These machines are not able to make thoughtful decisions to navigate around obstacles in risky environments.

Question 17: The word recommendations in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by ______.

A. considerations B. instructions C. objections D. suggestions

Question 18: According to paragraph 3, which of the following is TRUE?

A. Navigation apps can recognize human speech.
B. Diet tracker apps can help users to search for different sources of information.
C. Digital assistant apps can provide specific, personalized advice for individual users.
D. Navigation apps can process and update information to provide the best directions.

Question 19: In which paragraph does the writer mention a contrasting relationship?

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

Question 20: In which paragraph does the writer mention AI’s use in our daily lives?

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

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 21 to 25.

Question 21:

A. Rachel: It’ll kick off at 7 PM at my place. Hope to see you there!
b. Rachel: Hey Mark, I’m hosting a farewell party this Saturday, and I’d love for you to join!
c. Mark: That sounds fun! What time does it start?

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

Question 22:

A. Guide: I don't think that would be a good idea because the sea will probably be rough tomorrow. I'd recommend surfing instead. People can rent surfboards and wetsuits at the beach shop.
b. Woman: Thanks. And my friend is interested in diving. Should he bring his equipment?
c. Woman: That’s a great idea. Thanks!
d. Woman: Excuse me. What do you think we should wear tomorrow?
e. Guide: Well, it may be windy on the beach, so if I were you, I would bring some warm clothes.

(Adapted from Global Success)

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

Question 23:

Hey Sam,

A. Should I choose a job with a higher salary, even if it means more travel and longer hours? Or should I go for the job that feels more comfortable and closer to home?
b. I need your advice. I have two job offers, but I'm not sure which one to choose.
c. However, the office is far, requiring long commutes and potentially long work hours.
d. The second job is with a big corporation offering a higher salary and growth opportunities.
e. The first job is at a small company with lower pay but a friendly work environment and flexible hours. It's close to my home.

Let me know what you think when you can. Your opinion is valuable to me.
Thanks! Jamie

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

Question 24:

A. To conclude, childhood obesity is a real problem, but we can fight it with healthier eating and an active lifestyle.
b. Childhood obesity can be prevented in many ways.
c. That way, they can take up healthy hobbies and control their weight.
d. Another solution would be to encourage an active lifestyle. Parents can encourage their children to participate in physical activities.
e. One solution is to increase awareness. For instance, we could provide nutrition classes for parents and children so they can understand the importance of healthy eating.

(Adapted from Bright)

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

Question 25:

A. Providing youth with education, job opportunities, and positive role models can also reduce the likelihood of them becoming involved in criminal behavior.

B. Preventing crime involves a combination of community engagement and effective law enforcement strategies.

C. Additionally, law enforcement can focus on proactive policing, such as patrolling high-crime areas and using surveillance technology, to deter criminal activity before it occurs.

D. One key approach is to strengthen neighborhood networks through community watch programs, where residents collaborate to identify and report suspicious activities.

e. Lastly, addressing social issues like poverty, substance abuse, and mental health support can help tackle the root causes of crime and create a safer, more cohesive society.

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

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 26 to 30.

A short history of the selfie

They’re everywhere – people posing with their phones held out in front of them or on a selfie stick. And it’s not just young people – social media users of all ages (26) ______.

So when did this selfie mania begin? Most people would guess that it was around the beginning of this century or perhaps a bit later, with the rise of smartphones in the early 2000s, (27) ______. But most people would be wrong, just as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton were wrong when they declared on Twitter in 2017 that they had invented the selfie eleven years previously. (28) ______.

The oldest existing selfie dates back to 1839 when photographer Robert Cornelius took a self-portrait photograph of himself. To achieve this, he had to uncover the lens, run to his place, pose in the same position for up to fifteen minutes, and then run back to cover the lens again. Cornelius couldn’t take a dozen shots and choose the best one – his selfie had to be just one photo. Half a century later, in 1914, (29) ______.

And what about the origin of the word itself? It is thought to come from Australia, where people have a habit of putting -ie on the end of words – barbie for barbecue, postie for postal worker and even Aussie for Australian. Taking a photo of a lip injury in 2002, (30) ______. He referred to the photo as a selfie, and the term was born. Selfie became Oxford Dictionaries' word of the year in 2013.

(Adapted from Discovery)

Question 26:
A. take selfies, including space-walking astronauts and the Pope.
B. whose selfies, including space-walking astronauts and the Pope, are taken.
C. having been taken selfies, including space-walking astronauts and the Pope.
D. who, including space-walking astronauts and the Pope, had their selfies taken.

Question 27:
A. of which widespread use led to the trend.
B. brought about widespread use and linked to the trend.
C. linked its widespread use with the trend.
D. whose widespread use is often linked to the trend.

Question 28:
A. In fact, that claim took around 167 years too late to make.
B. In fact, they were around 167 years too late to make that claim.
C. In fact, being around 167 years, it was too late to make that claim.
D. In fact, it took around 167 years too late to make that claim.

Question 29:

A. taking a picture of herself in a mirror, it allowed thirteen-year-old Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia to become the first teenager to take a selfie.

B. thirteen-year-old Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia took a picture of herself in a mirror and became the first teenager to take a selfie.

C. without taking any pictures of herself in a mirror, thirteen-year-old Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia became the first teenager to take a selfie.

D. thirteen-year-old Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia took a picture of herself in a mirror, persuading her to become the first teenager to take a selfie.

Question 30:
A. the photo was uploaded to a public forum by an Australian man seeking advice on how to treat it.
B. a public forum received a photo from an Australian man who was seeking advice on how to treat it.
C. the advice was asked for by an Australian man in a public forum.
D. an Australian man posted it on a public forum to seek advice on how to treat it.

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

As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation grow, green architecture has emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable urban development. Green architecture emphasizes minimizing environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency and occupant well-being. It incorporates features like renewable materials, efficient energy systems, and biophilic design principles, aiming to harmonize buildings with their surroundings.

[I] One key principle of green architecture is the integration of renewable energy technologies. Solar panels, geothermal heating, and wind turbines are increasingly embedded into architectural designs to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. [II] Furthermore, sustainable buildings utilize innovative materials, such as recycled steel or bamboo, which reduce carbon emissions during construction. These materials are both durable and aesthetically appealing, offering an alternative to traditional concrete.

[III] Another critical feature is passive design, which focuses on optimizing natural light and ventilation to cut down energy consumption without compromising comfort. For example, strategically placed windows and green roofs can significantly lower heating and cooling needs. [IV] Lastly, green architecture prioritizes water efficiency, employing systems such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to conserve this vital resource.

The adoption of sustainable building practices also brings numerous benefits, including lower utility bills, healthier indoor environments, and reduced ecological footprints. However, challenges remain, such as higher upfront costs and the need for widespread adoption across sectors. Despite these hurdles, the future of architecture lies in embracing sustainability, paving the way for resilient and eco-friendly urban spaces.

(Adapted from On Screen B2)

Question 31: Where in paragraph [ ] does the following sentence best fit?
“These approaches ensure that buildings meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of the future.”

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

Question 32: According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of using innovative materials in green buildings?

A. Enhancing visual appeal B. Reducing carbon emissions
C. Offering greater durability D. Guaranteeing lower costs

Question 33: The word “adoption” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A. integration B. rejection C. innovation D. acceleration

Question 34: Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?

A. Green architecture focuses on reducing energy and water consumption through passive design and efficient systems.
B. Innovative projects emphasize community and environmental integration.

C. Passive design and water efficiency are not as important in green architecture as renewable energy technologies.

D. Water efficiency in green buildings is achieved only through the use of greywater recycling.

Question 35: The word “utilize” in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ______.

A. stand clear of B. make use of C. keep up with D. crack down on

Question 36: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Architecture will only thrive if it avoids challenges and chooses eco-friendly designs to make urban spaces more livable.

B. Overcoming obstacles, the future of architecture will prioritize technological advancements to build smarter and greener spaces.

C. Even with these challenges, architecture will focus on creativity to design modern cities that are harmful to the environment.
D. Although challenges remain, sustainable practices will shape the future of architecture, fostering durable and environmentally conscious cities.

Question 37: The word “these” in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

A. renewable energy technologies B. water-efficient systems
C. innovative materials D. passive design features

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Green roofs are designed solely for aesthetic purposes.
B. Renewable energy technologies are increasingly embedded into architectural designs to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
C. Recycled materials have limited use in construction.
D. Rainwater harvesting systems are impractical in urban areas.

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

A. Technological solutions alone will not suffice for achieving sustainability.
B. Green architecture solely relies on innovative materials for its success.
C. Sustainable practices will replace all traditional building designs in the future.
D. Green buildings primarily influence urban areas rather than rural environments.

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

A. The primary goal of green architecture is to replace all conventional materials.
B. Sustainable buildings focus solely on minimizing energy use during construction.
C. Sustainable buildings resolve all urban development challenges.
D. Green architecture combines innovation and efficiency to address environmental concerns.