Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Ask most people why elderly residents resist smart sensors, fall detectors and companion robots in their own homes, and the answer usually offered is the same: privacy. It is widely assumed that older adults, wary of being constantly monitored, would rather cope with the risks of living alone than give up their sense of seclusion to a network of cameras and microphones.
The evidence, however, complicates that picture. According to a 2021 survey of 1,296 older adults in the Netherlands, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, privacy concerns turned out to be secondary to the anticipated benefits of ageing safely at home; participants weighed the trade-off and largely accepted a degree of monitoring in exchange for independence. This matters given WHO projections that the number of people aged 60 and above will nearly double, from about 1 billion in 2020 to 2.1 billion by 2050, leaving far fewer caregivers to meet rising demand.
Despite such findings, uptake outside the laboratory remains surprisingly slow, largely because a systematic review of the field reveals an uneven research focus. Although privacy appeared as a theme in half of the studies reviewed, affordability and data accuracy were mentioned far less often. Yet, these practical factors ultimately determine whether a device survives daily use. In other words, the obstacle may lie less in older adults' reluctance and more in a mismatch between what gets studied and what actually shapes a purchasing decision.
None of this means ambient assisted living is a lost cause. It does suggest, though, that closing the gap between polished demonstrations and everyday households will depend less on reassuring worried users about surveillance and more on making devices affordable, reliable and genuinely suited to how older people already live.
What is the writer's purpose in paragraph 4?
To admit that assisted living has mostly failed while still defending its future potential
To shift the discussion from users' attitudes to how devices are designed and priced
To argue that privacy worries have been exaggerated and should no longer shape new devices
To emphasise that lab demonstrations remain the most reliable measure of a device's value
The word "complicates" in paragraph 2 is CLOSEST in meaning to _____.
obscures
clarifies
confirms
illustrates
The word "seclusion" in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _____.
privacy
exposure
comfort
protection
The word "This" in paragraph 2 refers to _____.
Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?
"Although privacy appeared as a theme in half of the studies reviewed, affordability and data accuracy were mentioned far less often."
Far less frequently addressed than cost and accuracy was privacy, despite its inclusion in half of the studies reviewed.
In contrast to user privacy, which featured in half the studies, cost and accuracy were considered far less important.
While privacy was ignored in half the reviewed studies, it still appeared much more frequently than cost and accuracy.
Cost and data accuracy received far less academic focus than privacy, despite the latter featuring in half the studies.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
Older adults are willing to accept a degree of monitoring in exchange for greater independence.
The global population aged 60 and above is expected to nearly double by 2050.
The 2021 survey shows that assistive technology is now widely adopted by older adults across Europe.
A mismatch between what gets studied and what matters for daily use may explain slow adoption.
In which paragraph does the writer cite a specific number describing a global demographic trend?
In which paragraph does the writer caution against giving up on the technology?
Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the blanks.
Urbanisation brings immense economic benefits, but it also creates severe traffic congestion. For decades, city planners believed that constructing wider streets would eliminate these daily delays. (1) _____. In reality, expanding highway capacity to solve congestion is a fundamentally flawed strategy that rarely yields long-term benefits.
This failure is due to a well-documented phenomenon known as "induced demand." When a new lane opens, the immediate increase in physical space allows traffic to flow much faster temporarily. As commuters notice this improved speed, (2) _____. People who previously used buses, cycled, or traveled at off-peak times decide to drive their personal vehicles during rush hour instead. A landmark 2011 study by researchers Duranton and Turner provided solid statistical evidence for this concept. (3) _____. In other words, supplying more asphalt simply creates more drivers to fill it.
Because the new lanes attract additional cars so rapidly, the initial relief is remarkably short-lived. As a direct result of this ongoing cycle, (4) _____. The highway ultimately becomes just as jammed as it was before the costly construction project began. Therefore, if a city truly wishes to improve overall mobility, new policies must prioritize transit over driving infrastructure. Planners must focus on developing efficient public transportation and walkable neighborhoods (5) _____.
Choose the correct option for (1).
This traditional solution seems logical, yet it completely fails to address human psychology
Logical as this traditional solution may appear, it has consistently delivered the reductions in commute times that its advocates promised
What this traditional solution relies on is not human psychology but increased funding from local governments
Had planners addressed human psychology, this traditional solution would not have been proposed in the first place
Choose the correct option for (2).
their personal cars are abandoned in favor of alternative transport only when this happens
alternative transport is what they quickly abandon in favor of their personal cars
they quickly abandon alternative transport in favor of their personal cars
alternative transport is immediately upgraded to attract more regular passengers.
Choose the correct option for (3).
Choose the correct option for (4).
what continuous road expansion completely fails to eliminate is urban congestion
failing to eliminate urban congestion, continuous road expansion continues nonetheless
that continuous road expansion completely fails to eliminate urban congestion is undeniable
continuous road expansion completely fails to eliminate urban congestion
Choose the correct option for (5).
because private vehicles have already freed up urban space
in order to dedicate more urban roads to private vehicles
rather than surrendering more urban space to private vehicles
provided that urban infrastructure is reserved for private vehicles
Read the following announcement and choose the best answer for each blank.
The City Library is to introduce our newly upgraded digital borrowing system. Since November 1st, all library members can enjoy a seamless reading experience online.
With this new platform, you will have instant to over 50,000 e-books and audiobooks from anywhere. The search function has been completely redesigned to help you find materials than before.
To ensure security, it is recommended that every member their account password upon their first login. If one e-book is currently checked out, you can easily reserve without any hassle. In case any technical issue while using the app, please contact our 24/7 support team via the helpline.
Happy reading!
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
Many developing cities today face a difficult choice: protect their natural and cultural heritage sites, or clear them away for modern infrastructure. In historic regions, centuries-old landscapes and traditional buildings often exist side by side, giving each place its own identity. For generations, these sites have worked as community hubs, offering both beauty and cultural meaning that shape the character of the area.
As city populations grow rapidly, local governments come under heavy pressure to modernize. Historic districts and green spaces are often the first targets for redevelopment. Planners argue that replacing these areas with high-rises or new transport networks brings economic incentives, such as new jobs and higher tax revenue. The visible, immediate benefits of modern facilities often outweigh the quiet value of cultural landscapes. As a result, the pace of demolition is alarming: in some fast-growing Asian capitals, reports suggest that up to 60% of traditional neighbourhoods have been cleared within the last decade alone to make way for urban sprawl.
However, destroying these sites comes with a serious opportunity cost. [I] For example, when traditional craft villages are torn down to build industrial zones, generations of local knowledge disappear for good. [II] Likewise, clearing ancient communal forests destroys not just valuable biodiversity but also spaces that hold deep spiritual meaning for local communities. [III] Furthermore, historic neighbourhoods that once brought people together are often replaced with isolating, characterless apartment blocks. [IV]
To correct this imbalance, urban economists are calling for a wider view of value. They argue that protecting heritage isn't just a sentimental choice - it can also be a cost-effective strategy for long-term development. Natural and cultural sites can generate steady, significant income through ecotourism. In fact, one recent global survey found that cultural heritage tourism now makes up nearly 40% of total tourism revenue worldwide, showing its clear financial value. Once policymakers recognise the true economic worth of these historical assets, they may find that preservation pays off more than demolition ever could.
In the end, modernizing a city doesn't mean erasing its past completely. Real urban progress means finding a careful balance between building the facilities a modern city needs and protecting its natural and cultural heritage. By recognising the deep economic and social value of these irreplaceable assets, cities can stay both prosperous and culturally alive for generations to come.
According to paragraph 2, what is a staggering result of urban sprawl in some Asian capitals?
The word "incentives" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _____.
resources
outcomes
Which of the following is NOT implied in paragraph 3 about the destruction of heritage sites?
The destruction of traditional craft villages causes more economic damage than the loss of communal forests.
The redevelopment of urban areas can replace tight-knit social environments with isolating residential structures.
In paragraph 3, where would the following sentence best fit?
"These profound, intangible losses often outweigh the short-term financial returns generated by new concrete structures."
The word "They" in paragraph 4 refers to _____.
What is the main idea of paragraph 4?
Policymakers should impose heavy financial penalties on companies destroying cultural heritage sites.
Safeguarding heritage sites is financially sound, as evidenced by its massive contribution to global tourism.
Ecotourism is currently the only viable method to evaluate the monetary value of a historical asset.
According to paragraph 5, what does the passage suggest is necessary for cities to remain both financially prosperous and culturally vibrant?
All of the following are mentioned as benefits or values of heritage preservation EXCEPT _____.
offering aesthetic and cultural value that defines a local area's identity
fostering tight-knit social interactions within historic neighborhoods
generating continuous revenue, which accounts for nearly 40% of global tourism revenue
eliminating the need for building new modern transportation networks
It can be inferred from the passage that the "opportunity cost" of urban redevelopment is often ignored initially because _____.
Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
Are you fascinated by artificial intelligence? Join our "AI & Future Leaders" summer camp! The tech landscape is evolving rapidly. , you need to equip yourself with the right skills early on. This intensive program is designed for high schoolers to explore cutting-edge technologies. You will learn how to train machine learning models and create intelligent chatbots. By participating in hands-on workshops, students will certainly invaluable experience in programming.
We firmly believe that neither the AI tools nor the traditional learning method your true creativity; instead, they work together to empower your innovative ideas. You miss this golden opportunity to stay ahead of the in the digital world. Sign up on our website today!
Choose the best way to rearrange the following sentences in order to make a meaningful conversation.
a. Tom: Me too! My shoes haven't dried since Monday. When does it usually stop?
b. Mai: Around late October, so hang on, autumn's nearly here.
c. Mai: It's been pouring all week. I'm so sick of the rain!
Choose the best way to rearrange the following sentences in order to make a meaningful conversation.
a. Receptionist: Those are completely full at the moment, I'm afraid, so Thursday would be the best option.
b. Receptionist: I see. In that case, we could transfer you to our Thursday evening session.
c. Mr. Hall: I understand. Please switch me to the Thursday class, then.
d. Mr. Hall: Good morning. I'm currently in the Tuesday class, but my work schedule has just changed.
e. Mr. Hall: Is there any chance I could move to a weekend group instead?
Choose the best way to rearrange the following sentences in order to make a meaningful letter.
Dear Professor Hartley,
a. Reading more specialised studies would therefore help me build a stronger argument for the final submission.
b. If it is convenient, I would also be happy to visit you during your office hours to discuss them.
c. I am a second-year student in your Environmental Sociology class, and I am writing to ask for your advice on my research paper.
d. I would be very grateful if you could suggest a few books or journal articles of this kind.
e. The paper examines food waste in urban markets, but most of the sources I have found so far deal only with households.
Yours sincerely,
Linh Tran
Choose the best way to rearrange the following sentences in order to make a meaningful text.
a. Not only do false reports spread faster than corrections, but they are also rarely checked by the people who share them.
b. It is widely argued that digital news platforms keep the public better informed than newspapers or television ever did.
c. Whether digital media truly leaves us better informed, then, may depend less on its speed than on how critically we read it.
d. Breaking stories now reach millions of readers within minutes, and anyone with a smartphone can compare several sources at once.
e. This speed and openness come at a price that many users overlook, though.
b – c – a – d – e
Choose the best way to rearrange the following sentences in order to make a meaningful text.
a. Each volunteer met a small group once a week and was taught to recognise signs that a friend needed professional help.
b. Encouraged by this success, three nearby schools have since adopted the same model for their own students.
c. In response, the school launched a peer support programme in which older student volunteers were trained to listen to younger ones.
d. Last year, a survey at Riverside High School revealed that over half of its students felt stressed by pressure to keep up with their classmates.
e. As a result, twice as many students asked the school counsellor for help before their problems became serious.