Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
In 2006, the Swedish capital of Stockholm implemented a bold congestion tax trial that immediately altered the city's landscape. According to official evaluations by the Swedish Transport Agency, the policy successfully reduced vehicle traffic across the toll zone by approximately 20 percent within its first year. Furthermore, this sharp decline in traffic jams contributed to a measurable drop in airborne pollutants, proving that financial measures could produce highly visible environmental benefits.
Following this clear success, urban planners observed a profound shift in daily commuter behavior. Residents did not simply abandon their professional or social activities; instead, they adapted their routines. Carpooling became increasingly widespread, and a substantial portion of the population switched to the newly expanded railway and bus networks. Crucially, the revenue collected from the daily tolls was directly channeled into funding these public transit infrastructures, creating a sustainable cycle of continuous mobility enhancement.
Despite such proven successes, a widespread myth persists globally that congestion pricing is merely a harsh measure designed to extract wealth from working-class drivers. Outspoken opponents frequently argue that these daily fees inevitably devastate local retail economies by discouraging suburban shoppers from visiting downtown districts. However, continuous economic monitoring in Stockholm has repeatedly demonstrated that high street retail sales remain robust, as pedestrians and transit users adequately replace car-driving consumers.
Ultimately, charging private vehicles to enter densely populated city centers is arguably not a universally perfect remedy. The policy certainly demands thorough preliminary studies and a strict commitment to fair transit alternatives before any implementation can occur. Nevertheless, when executed with careful consideration, it stands as an exceptionally effective mechanism for transforming heavily congested roads into highly functional, breathable urban environments.
In paragraph 1, the writer is _____.
The word "robust" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to _____.
The word "profound" in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _____.
The word "they" in paragraph 2 refers to _____.
Which of the following best paraphrases the bold sentence in paragraph 4?
"The policy certainly demands thorough preliminary studies and a strict commitment to fair transit alternatives before any implementation can occur."
Which of the following statements would the writer NOT agree with?
In which paragraph does the writer mention reinvesting the money generated from the fees to upgrade shared transportation networks?
In which paragraph does the writer mention the unfounded fear that reducing car access will negatively impact the spending of consumers from the outskirts?
Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the blanks.
The life stories of famous people in history have long been great sources of motivation, helping us overcome difficulties. Among these trailblazers, Marie Curie stands out not only for her famous discoveries in radioactivity, but also for her perseverance against severe institutional barriers. Born in Warsaw in 1867, Curie faced money problems to get a higher education before moving to France. (1) _____, she finally made great discoveries that changed modern physics and medicine.
According to the Nobel Foundation, Curie is still the only person in history to win Nobel Prizes in two different science fields—Physics in 1903 and Chemistry in 1911. Also, records show that out of over 900 Nobel winners, fewer than 60 have been women, (2) _____. Teachers often say that (3) _____ can strongly inspire young students to follow science careers.
However, experts warn against viewing such stories only as a result of personal brilliance. Even if great talent helps a few special people succeed against the odds, (4) _____ without larger help from society. Therefore, while famous heroes give us motivation, they must be supported by fair schools and equal chances. True progress needs a comprehensive change, (5) _____.
Choose the correct option for (1).
Daunting though the obstacles were
Although daunting the obstacles were
Choose the correct option for (2).
Choose the correct option for (3).
Choose the correct option for (4).
marginalized groups will easily overcome institutional barriers
the vast majority of people will struggle to reach their full potential
personal brilliance will be more than enough to guarantee universal success
modern education systems will spontaneously resolve their financial crises
Choose the correct option for (5).
implying that modern education networks need to upgrade their scientific facilities heavily
suggesting that schools should prioritize the identification of exceptionally gifted students
proposing that innate brilliance will naturally overcome institutional disadvantages
meaning that systemic opportunity is just as vital as individual drive
Read the following notice and choose the best answer for each blank.
NOTICE OF WATER SUPPLY SUSPENSION
Dear Residents of Oakwood Apartments,
Please be informed that there will be a temporary water suspension next week. Specifically, the water supply will be completely off on Monday, October 12th, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. is an urgent need to repair the main pipes on the ground floor to prevent future leaks. Management understands that this may cause a significant to your daily routine, but it is a necessary maintenance step. you should do now is store enough water for cooking and basic hygiene before the scheduled time. We guarantee that the maintenance team will the water pressure as soon as the repair is completed the same day. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Speaking more than one language offers obvious practical advantages. It simplifies travel, opens diverse career opportunities, and allows individuals to appreciate foreign films, literature, and music without translation. In an increasingly interconnected world, these skills are more valuable than ever. Beyond these practical perks, however, cognitive scientists have explored a less obvious question: does managing multiple languages fundamentally alter how the human brain functions?
Before answering this, it is worth addressing a widespread misconception. Many adults assume that unless a second language is acquired in early childhood, achieving fluency becomes virtually impossible. For decades, some scientists supported this, arguing that language acquisition was restricted to a brief, critical window during early development. Today, researchers view the process far more dynamically. While young children adapt to new accents more effortlessly, individuals of any age can achieve high levels of proficiency through consistent, structured practice.
Regarding brain structure and function, research suggests several potential cognitive benefits. [I] Bilingual individuals constantly alternate between linguistic systems while suppressing the non-active language, a mental workout that appears to enhance executive control and focus. [II] Neuroimaging studies further reveal that bilingual speakers typically possess denser grey matter, the region responsible for processing information and decision-making. [III] This additional neural tissue may help buffer against cognitive decline: clinical studies indicate that bilingual individuals experience symptoms of dementia several years later than monolingual peers. [IV] Together, these findings indicate that a bilingual brain remains remarkably active, adaptable, and resilient.
It is worth noting that the scientific community continues to debate the exact magnitude of these advantages, with recent studies reporting more modest effects than earlier research suggested. Nevertheless, few experts dispute that language learning serves as an exceptional mental exercise. For learners, the implication is empowering: it is never too late to begin, and acquiring a new language opens doors not only to distinct cultures but also to expanded ways of thinking.
According to paragraph 1, all of the following are mentioned as practical advantages of speaking multiple languages EXCEPT _____.
According to paragraph 2, which of the following is TRUE about language learning?
The word "critical" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _____.
The word "this" in paragraph 2 refers to _____.
the question
Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?
What can be inferred from the passage about acquiring a second language later in life?
What can be inferred from the passage?
What can be inferred from paragraph 4?
How does speaking two languages seem to improve a person's focus?
By requiring the brain to hold back the language not currently in use
Which of the following is the best title for the passage?
Read the following leaflet and choose the best answer for each blank.
Are you tired of sitting in traffic every morning? Join the "Healthy Steps" campaign to transform our daily commute! By simply choosing to walk or cycle, you will not only a more active lifestyle but also save money on fuel. Currently, motorized vehicles emit harmful gases every day, significantly worsens our local air quality. We want to see who can pedal the during our 30-day challenge! Will you be the one to help turn the against urban pollution? , all active participants will receive exclusive vouchers from our partner sports stores. Remember, health is our greatest wealth, so don't hesitate.
Grab your bike and let’s hit the road for a greener city!
Choose the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text.
a. Customer: Excuse me, do you happen to have any of these wireless headphones in black?
b. Staff: Let me check the storeroom for you; we might have received a new shipment this morning.
c. Customer: Thank you so much.
Choose the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text.
a. Mark: Well, they believe that only focusing purely on academic subjects will guarantee a successful future.
b. Sarah: If I were you, I'd try explaining to them how playing music actually helps you manage exam pressure.
c. Mark: I'm feeling really stressed lately because my parents want me to quit the school music club.
d. Mark: You might be right; I'll sit down and have a proper conversation with them tonight.
e. Sarah: That's a shame; did they tell you why they're against you participating in it?
a – c – e – b – d
e – c – b – a – d
Choose the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text.
Dear Mr. Robinson,
a. Furthermore, your program's flexible evening schedule perfectly aligns with my current full-time job commitments.
b. Although I have worked in marketing for ten years, I recognize that the industry's practices have shifted significantly, and I am eager to master new approaches.
c. I am writing to express my interest in enrolling in the Advanced Digital Skills course for adult learners.
d. I have attached my application form and hope to hear from you soon regarding the admission process.
e. For this reason, I am convinced that this course will equip me with the necessary tools to advance my career.
Yours sincerely,
Anna Nguyen
e – a – b – c – d
a – b – c – d – e
Choose the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text.
a. Recent studies, on the other hand, point out that the modernization of heavy machinery has largely alleviated the necessity for manual exertion.
b. Ultimately, job opportunities should be based on individual skills and qualifications rather than outdated gender stereotypes.
c. Traditionally, many argue that physically demanding jobs, such as construction work, should primarily be reserved for men.
d. There is an ongoing debate about whether certain professions are naturally better suited for a specific gender.
e. As a result, an increasing number of women are successfully taking on roles in engineering and manual labor fields.
a – d – c – e – b
e – c – d – a – b
Choose the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text.
a. What is more, these intercultural exchanges foster mutual respect and significantly reduce prejudices among different ethnic groups globally.
b. To counter this trend, numerous cities have started hosting annual multicultural festivals to celebrate and preserve traditional customs.
c. Consequently, younger generations have become much more interested in learning about and maintaining their own heritage.
d. These events typically feature authentic local cuisines, traditional music performances, and interactive craft workshops for international visitors.
e. Over the past decade, rapid globalization has caused many indigenous communities to fear the loss of their unique cultural identities.
d – e – b – c – a
a – b – c – d – e