Question 35: A. teamwork B. paperwork C. network D. clockwork

Question 2: The word harbors in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.
A. denotes B. elicits C. dispels D. conflates

Question 3: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. Many firms regularly craft polished statements expressing solidarity, ostensibly timed to coincide with national conversations about racial injustice as well.

B. Also, companies commonly issue broad, unspecific messages of support when the country is undergoing significant debates or crises related to race.

C. Moreover, firms frequently resort to manipulative language, purchasing precisely worded messages of unity during periods of nationwide racial tension.

D. In addition, companies frequently use clever language tricks by releasing precisely crafted public declarations expressing support during times when the nation confronts racial issues.

Question 19:

A. Ethan: That’s awesome; I switched to public transit last month, and it’s been much less stressful than driving.

B. Chloe: I decided to try biking to work this week, and honestly, it feels surprisingly freeing and peaceful.

C. Chloe: I might try that too, especially on rainy days when biking could be a slippery challenge.

(Adapted from Listen a minute)

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

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.

Stroke in young people is an increasingly concerning medical phenomenon, often overlooked due to the common perception that it primarily afflicts the elderly. However, individuals under 45 can suffer from this condition due to various risk factors, including genetic predisposition, high blood pressure, and certain lifestyle habits. [I] Unlike strokes in older adults, which are often caused by atherosclerosis—a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow—younger patients frequently experience strokes due to blood clotting disorders, arterial dissection, or undiagnosed heart conditions.

Various behavioral and environmental factors substantially elevate the probability of stroke occurrence among younger individuals. [II] Poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol or drug use contribute to high blood pressure and vascular problems. Additionally, prolonged stress and irregular sleep patterns can lead to hormonal imbalances that negatively affect cardiovascular health. Many young adults tend to burn the candle at both ends, sacrificing sleep and rest for work, social activities, or other responsibilities, which further weakens their overall health.

[III] Sudden weakness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, and loss of coordination are some of the most common warning signs. However, milder symptoms, such as temporary confusion, dizziness, or vision disturbances, may be mistaken for minor health issues, leading individuals to ignore them. Raising awareness of these early indicators can encourage individuals to seek medical attention before irreversible damage occurs, greatly improving their chances of recovery.

Recovering from a stroke at a young age presents unique physical and emotional challenges that require ongoing medical care and support. Rehabilitation includes physical therapy, speech exercises, and lifestyle changes to restore lost abilities and prevent future strokes. Emotional distress, including depression and anxiety, is common among survivors, making psychological support an important part of recovery. With proper care, long-term medical follow-ups, and necessary lifestyle adjustments, many young stroke patients regain independence and significantly improve their overall quality of life. [IV]

(Adapted from Forbes)

Question 20: Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

"The symptoms of stroke in young people often go unnoticed, delaying crucial treatment."

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

Question 21: The phrase burn the candle at both ends in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ______.

A. overwork and exhaust oneself B. neglect important responsibilities
C. explore new hobbies and interests D. live a balanced and healthy life

Question 22: According to paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT listed as a common cause of stroke in younger patients?

A. undiagnosed heart conditions B. blood clotting disorders
C. arterial dissection D. chronic migraines

Question 23: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 4?

A. Young stroke survivors face both physical and emotional challenges, requiring rehabilitation, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments for recovery.

B. Stroke rehabilitation primarily involves physical therapy and speech exercises, with emotional recovery playing a minor role in the process.

C. Overcoming a stroke at a young age involves therapy, cognitive resilience, ongoing support, and long-term medical guidance for a better recovery.

D. Recovering from a stroke in young people requires medical care, therapy, and psychological support to restore lost functions and prevent future complications.

Question 24: What is one factor that can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in young adults?

A. Over-exercising combined with proper dietary intake
B. Consistent movement paired with adequate recuperation time
C. Chronic tension and inconsistent sleep patterns
D. Minimal exposure to environmental pollutants

Question 25: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A. Younger individuals face a higher likelihood of stroke due to a range of behavioral habits and environmental influences.

B. A variety of behavioral and environmental factors play a major role in causing stroke among the elderly.

C. Genetic and environmental factors strongly influence stroke occurrence in younger people.

D. Different lifestyle choices and environmental conditions significantly decrease the risk of stroke in young people.

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 1 to 8.

Brownwashing represents a subtle yet pernicious form of corporate performativity, a calculated manoeuvre by entities to exaggerate or fabricate their commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI). Unlike the more generalized 'greenwashing,' which centres on environmental claims, brownwashing specifically manipulates the narrative surrounding a company's engagement with marginalized communities, particularly those of color. This practice often manifests through the tokenistic promotion of a few minority figures to highly visible, albeit often powerless, roles or through the production of superficial marketing campaigns that co-opt social justice vernacular without enacting substantive, systemic change. It is, at its core, a disingenuous attempt to garner social capital and deflect scrutiny from entrenched, insidious institutional biases, presenting a veneer of progress that belies a stasis in meaningful transformation.

The tactics employed in brownwashing are frequently sophisticated and multifaceted. A common strategy involves the lavish sponsorship of cultural events or philanthropic initiatives targeting minority groups, creating a public perception of benevolent patronage while internal hiring, retention, and promotion pipelines remain conspicuously anemic for non-white employees. Furthermore, companies often engage in a rhetorical sleight of hand, issuing carefully calibrated public statements of solidarity during moments of national racial reckoning. These declarations, heavy with emotive language, are rarely followed by tangible metrics or accountability mechanisms to address documented pay gaps, discriminatory practices, or the absence of diversity in the highest echelons of leadership. The crux of the deception lies in prioritizing public relations over genuine operational reform.

The repercussions of brownwashing extend far beyond mere reputational damage; they actively undermine the very causes they purport to support. For consumers, it harbors a profound cynicism and mistrust towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, making it increasingly challenging to distinguish between authentic commitments and mere posturing. More detrimentally, for employees from marginalized backgrounds, brownwashing can be profoundly demoralizing. They become acutely aware of their utility as symbolic placeholders rather than valued contributors, often finding themselves burdened with the emotional labor of defending the company's image while navigating the same structural inequities that the external narrative denies. This creates a toxic internal environment, reinforcing the perception that DEI efforts are a matter of compliance and optics, rather than a moral and strategic imperative.

To effectively counter brownwashing, a fundamental shift towards unassailable transparency and rigorous accountability is indispensable. Stakeholders, including consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies, must demand more than platitudes and anecdotal evidence. Organizations should be compelled to disclose comprehensive, externally audited data on workforce demographics across all seniority levels, including compensation equity and promotion rates. Moving beyond simple representation, the focus must shift to substantive empowerment, evidenced by minority voices influencing strategic decision-making and genuine investment in supplier diversity. Only through the sustained application of external and internal pressure can the hollow gesture of brownwashing be supplanted by authentic, verifiable commitment to equitable organizational change.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Question 1: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a specific issue that corporate declarations often fail to address with tangible metrics or accountability mechanisms?
A. Discriminatory practices B. Documented pay gaps
C. Absence of diversity in leadership D. Lack of financial funding