Question 17: A. refining B. to refine C. to refining D. refines

Question 21:
A. adverse B. severe C. minor D. positive

Question 22:
A. Since B. But C. Though D. So

Question 23:
A. habitual B. dangerous C. pleasant D. addictive

Question 24:
A. Setting out B. Bringing on C. Turning into D. Taking after

Question 25:
A. emerge B. follow C. access D. occur

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 26 to 30.

Question 26:

A. In recent years, the city of Helmar has embraced public art as a tool for urban renewal and social connection.
b. These creative efforts have transformed once-neglected corners into vibrant gathering spots that reflect local identity.
c. To support this vision, local councils have commissioned murals, sculptures, and interactive installations in residential areas.

D. Recognising the positive psychological impact of visual culture, urban planners have included art in long-term development plans.

e. As a result, residents now feel a greater sense of pride and belonging in spaces they once avoided.

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

Question 27:

A. Mai: I helped organise our village’s mid-autumn celebration this year. It’s such a meaningful tradition. How about you?

B. Mai: That sounds lovely! I think keeping these customs alive really connects us to our roots.

C. Tom: I recently joined a lantern-making workshop—it was my first time doing anything like that.

D. Tom: Your festival sounds amazing. What role did you play in the preparations?

e. Tom: Absolutely. There’s something grounding about rituals that have lasted for generations.

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

Question 28:
a. Anna: Thank you! I didn’t realise it was that close.
b. Anna: Hi, could you tell me how to get to the old citadel ruins from here?
c. Guard: Sure. Walk past the fountain, turn right at the second gate, and you’ll see a stone arch with a plaque.

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

Question 29:

A. This encounter helped me realise that understanding another culture requires more listening than explaining.
b. It had honestly never occurred to me that a simple gesture, like removing shoes indoors, could carry such meaning.
c. I was part of a student exchange where we stayed with host families and joined daily life for two weeks.
d. Adapting to unfamiliar customs, like eating with chopsticks or greeting with a bow, challenged many of my assumptions.
e. Though uncomfortable at first, those small acts taught me to observe more carefully and speak more mindfully.

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

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 20 to 25.

Caffeine health effects

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and (20) ______ stimulants by children and adolescents. In recent years, emergency departments have seen a rising trend of children being admitted due to overconsumption of caffeine, also known as caffeine toxicity.

The positive health effects of caffeine vary from person to person, depending on the dose. These effects include:

• Improved reaction time, alertness and ability to concentrate.

• Lessened (21) ______ effects of sleep deprivation.

• Protection against type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

• Reduced risk of Parkinson's disease; Alzheimer's disease; liver disease.

(22) ______ caffeine also can have negative effects such as nervousness, insomnia, irritability and panic attacks. Those with preexisting anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to these effects.

Heavy caffeine use — more than 400 milligrams per day — can cause:

• Increased risk of other (23) ______ behaviors, like smoking and alcohol abuse.

• (24) ______ physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms if caffeine intake is abruptly stopped.

• The FDA notes that toxic effects, including seizures, can (25) ______ with rapid consumption of 1,200 milligrams of caffeine.

(Adapted from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org)

Question 20:
A. another B. the other C. other D. others