You will hear a recording. While you listen, complete the text below by writing in NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER in the spaces provided. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
Most countries recognize 18 as the start of adulthood by granting various freedoms and privileges. But is age the best way to measure ? And questioning the age limits of adulthood is well warranted. Some countries have lowered the voting age to 16, and cultural coming-of-age ceremonies are often celebrated at ages. As there seems to be no consensus on exactly when we reach maturity, perhaps science can give us a clearer .
Brain development involves trajectories. First, there's a reduction in gray matter. Gray matter consists of cells and connections that facilitate communication at short ranges, creating dense, information-processing hubs. While a reduction may seem like a bad thing, what's happening is a pruning. Connections that are used are kept and strengthened, while under-used ones are weeded away, creating a brain that is both fine-tuned to its environment and efficient.
Another way have tried to define adulthood is by measuring cognitive development - when are you able to learn and complete tasks at the same efficiency as older adults?
Though capable of making smart, well-informed decisions, teens may be more susceptible to pressures.
Under these influences, 18- to 21-year-olds tend to behave more like and their brains show younger-teen-like patterns of activity. This allows emerging adults to better explore their identities and , but may also create more vulnerability to negative peer influence and rash heat of the moment decisions.
For this reason, many scientists argue that judicial systems should expand juvenile courts to those in their late teens and early twenties, as current systems fail to recognize how the emerging adult brain is still
So when are you actually an adult? As you can see, there is no exact or moment in development that we can point to. Not everyone will reach each wave of maturity at the same age. Each person's journey to adulthood is unique, influenced by genetics, and experience.
You will hear two students, Cathy and Graham, planning a display on British life and literature in the mid-19th century. Listen and do the tasks that follow.
Which TWO groups of people are the display primarily intended for?
What are Cathy and Graham's TWO reasons for choosing the novelist Charles Dickens?
What topic do Cathy and Graham choose to illustrate with each novel? Choose SIX answers and write the correct letter in the blanks.
|
A. environment B. education C. Dickens's travels D. entertainment E. pollution F. wealth G. medicine H. a woman's life |
The Pickwick Papers: Oliver Twist: Nicholas Nickleby: Martin Chuzziewit: Bleak House: Little Dorrit: |
Listen to a talk on fish in the ocean and decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F).
Modern industrial fishing uses technologies originally designed for war.
Fishermen ignored the Patagonian toothfish until the late 1990s.
Many fishermen don't catch sharks because the fin has become less profitable.
Wild shrimp are typically caught by dragging nets, which disrupts or destroys seafloor habitats.
Establishing marine reserves closed to all fishing is one effective way to help ecosystems restore themselves.
Hanna doesn't dye her hair; it's _____ red.
You need to work harder to _____ the time you lost when you were sick last month.
Not only _____ the project on time, but he also managed to save the company a significant amount of money.
Without a strong _____ of achievement, many people are not motivated in their work.
It is high time the government _____ strict measures to combat climate change.
The new sequel is _____ as good as the original movie; the plot is weak and the acting is mediocre.
- Can you take a day off next week?
- Well, I'll have to get _____ from my manager.
The manager decided to _____ a blind eye to the employee's minor lateness because his performance was otherwise excellent.
_____ all properties after the flood, the local people had to relocate to start their new lives.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Governments need to find ways of producing energy without destroying the environment.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
After the quarrel, he put an end to his relationship with his girlfriend.
Frank and Peter are at a film festival.
Frank: Would you prefer to watch action films or romantic ones?
Peter: _____
Read the passage below, which contains 8 mistakes. Identify the mistakes and write the corrections in the corresponding numbered boxes provided.
[content][/content]Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
THE REALITY OF THE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFESTYLE
For many, the term "digital nomad" conjures up images of laptops on beaches and sipping coconuts while checking emails. Thanks to rapid in technology, working from anywhere has shifted from a distant dream to a tangible reality for millions. This lifestyle offers unparalleled freedom, allowing individuals to escape the nine-to-five grind and explore the world on their own terms.
However, the reality is often less glamorous than the Instagram photos suggest. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a clear between professional and personal life. Without a physical office to leave the end of the day, work can easily bleed into leisure time, leading to burnout. Furthermore, relying on public Wi-Fi can be a logistical nightmare; a internet connection is non-negotiable for digital nomads, yet not always available.
Socially, the lifestyle can be isolating. While you meet many people, forming deep, lasting relationships is difficult when you are constantly on the move. Loneliness is a frequently cited of this transient way of living. To , one needs a high level of self-discipline and the ability to adjust to changing environments quickly.
the hurdles, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Companies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of working arrangements. As long as employees can stay productive, the office of the future might truly be .
Fill in each blank with ONE best word.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOUR IN BRANDING
When walking down a supermarket aisle, have you ever wondered what makes you pick one product over another, even when the prices identical? While we like to think we are rational shoppers, it is often the visual appeal that catches eye. Research has demonstrated that colour alone can account for nearly 85% of the primary reason a consumer purchases a specific item.
Each colour sends specific signal to the brain. Red, for instance, creates a sense of urgency and increases heart rate, which is why it is frequently used in clearance sales. By contrast, blue is associated with reliability security, making it a favourite choice for banks and insurance companies. Marketers advantage of these psychological associations to influence our decisions.
However, a global brand must be careful, provided it wishes to avoid cultural misunderstandings related to colour. example, while white represents purity in Western cultures, it is traditionally associated with mourning some Asian countries. Therefore, companies must keep in mind cultural sensitivities to avoid offending potential customers. Failure to do so could result in a marketing disaster. Ultimately, understanding colour psychology is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful tool to prevent a campaign failing.
Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
At a trendy café in downtown Tokyo, seventeen-year-old Haruto pulls a device out of his pocket. It isn't the latest titanium smartphone with AI capabilities. It is a clunky, plastic disposable camera. He snaps a photo of his friends, winds the wheel with a loud click-click-click, and puts it away. There is no screen to check, no filter to apply, and no way to delete the shot if someone blinked. For Haruto and millions of his peers in Generation Z, this lack of sophisticated technology is exactly the point.
Born into a world of high-speed internet and touchscreens, this generation is known as "digital natives". Yet, a growing number of them are actively driving a renaissance of analog technology. Sales of vinyl records have overtaken CDs for the first time in decades, and the market for vintage film cameras has exploded. This phenomenon, often called the "Analog Resurgence", is not simply about nostalgia for a past they never lived. It is a reaction to the "digital fatigue" of their present lives.
In the digital realm, everything is perfect, instant, and ephemeral. A smartphone photo is sharp, colorful, and exists mostly as data on a server. If you don't like it, you take ten more. In contrast, analog media imposes scarcity. A roll of film has only 24 or 36 exposures. Each shot costs money and cannot be seen immediately. This delay creates a sense of anticipation that is entirely absent from the instant-gratification loop of social media. When the photos are finally developed weeks later, their imperfections — the grainy texture, the slightly washed-out colors — feel more "authentic" than the polished, AI-enhanced images flooding Instagram.
The trend extends beyond photography. Music streaming services offer convenience, granting access to every song ever recorded for a monthly fee. However, this abundance can make music feel like disposable background noise. Vinyl records require a ritual. You must remove the disc from its sleeve, place it on the turntable, and gently drop the needle. You cannot skip tracks easily with a voice command. This physical engagement forces the listener to slow down and appreciate the album as a cohesive work of art rather than a shuffled playlist of isolated tracks.
Perhaps the most extreme version of this movement is the return of the "dumb phone". Some teenagers are trading their smartphones for basic flip phones that can only make calls and send texts. They are voluntarily cutting themselves off from the algorithm. By removing the constant ping of notifications and the infinite scroll of TikTok, they report feeling less anxious and more connected to the people right in front of them. They are not rejecting technology entirely; they are simply choosing to be its master rather than its servant.
Ultimately, the analog resurgence is about control and tangibility. In a world where we own fewer physical things and subscribe to more digital services, holding a physical photograph or a vinyl record provides a necessary anchor. It reminds us that some experiences are worth waiting for, and that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look backward.
The opening paragraph describes Haruto's camera primarily to highlight _____.
According to the passage, why is the "Analog Resurgence" surprising?
The word "scarcity" in paragraph 3 closest in meaning to _____.
Why does the author mention "24 or 36 exposures" in paragraph 3?
What is the main difference between streaming music and playing vinyl records mentioned in the text?
The "imperfections" of film photography are valued by Gen Z because they _____.
By switching to "dumb phones", teenagers aim to _____.
The word "ritual" in paragraph 4 suggests that listening to vinyl is _____.
Which of the following best summarizes the author's conclusion?
What is the overall tone of the passage regarding the "Analog Resurgence"?
Critical of the inefficiency of old technology
Mocking the hipsters who follow this fad
Indifferent to the changes in technology
Understanding and analysis of the trend
THE TRUE COST OF FAST FASHION
A. Go to any high street in a major city, and you will see shops filled with the latest trends at incredibly low prices. This is the world of "fast fashion". It describes a business model where clothing is produced rapidly and cheaply in response to the latest style trends. In the past, fashion brands released new collections two or four times a year. Today, fast fashion companies can introduce new items every week. This allows consumers to buy the newest looks for the price of a sandwich. However, while these affordable prices are attractive to shoppers, the hidden costs of this industry are becoming impossible to ignore.
B. The most obvious impact of fast fashion is on the environment. The fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of global pollution. Producing clothes requires enormous resources. For example, it takes thousands of liters of water to make just one pair of cotton jeans. Furthermore, the dyeing process often uses toxic chemicals, which can end up in rivers and oceans, harming marine life. Additionally, because the clothes are cheap and often of poor quality, they are discarded quickly. Millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills every year, where synthetic fabrics like polyester can take hundreds of years to decompose.
C. Beyond the environmental damage, there is a human cost. To keep prices low, many fast fashion brands move their production to countries where labor is cheap and regulations are weak. Garment workers in these regions often work long hours in dangerous conditions for wages that are barely enough to survive. Safety standards are frequently ignored to save time and money. This issue gained global attention after several tragic factory accidents occurred, forcing consumers to question who is really paying the price for their cheap t-shirts.
D. Despite these issues, the demand for fast fashion continues to grow, driven largely by social media and consumer psychology. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok encourage a culture where being seen in the same outfit twice is considered a fashion mistake. This creates a pressure to constantly update one's wardrobe. "Haul videos", where influencers show off bags full of new, cheap clothes, promote the idea that shopping is a hobby rather than a necessity. This "throw-away culture" disconnects buyers from the value of the items they purchase, viewing clothes as disposable rather than durable goods.
E. Fortunately, there is a growing movement towards more sustainable alternatives. Many consumers are turning to "slow fashion", which prioritizes quality over quantity. Buying second-hand or vintage clothing has become trendy, giving old clothes a new life. Another interesting development is clothing rental services, which allow people to wear high-quality designer items for a short time without buying them. Some brands are also experimenting with recycled materials and offering repair services to help customers keep their clothes for longer.
F. Changing the fashion industry will require effort from both companies and customers. While governments can introduce laws to protect workers and the environment, consumers hold the most power. By choosing to buy less, choosing natural fabrics, or supporting ethical brands, shoppers can send a clear message. The transition away from fast fashion will not happen overnight, but a shift in mindset is the necessary first step towards a more sustainable future.
The reading passage has six sections, A-F. Choose the correct heading for sections A-F from the list of headings below. Write the correct number i-ix in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
| List of Headings |
|---|
|
i. The psychological pressure to buy more ii. Government regulations on clothing factories iii. New ways to shop sustainably iv. The definition and appeal of cheap clothing v. The impact of chemicals on factory workers vi. Consumer power and future responsibility vii. Environmental consequences of mass production viii. The unfair treatment of garment workers ix. How to design your own clothes |
Section A:
Section B:
Section C:
Section D:
Section E:
Section F:
Fast fashion companies typically release new clothing collections only twice a year.
Making a single pair of jeans requires a surprisingly large amount of water.
Women are more likely to be influenced by fashion influencers on social media than men.
Buying second-hand clothes is the only alternative mentioned to combat fast fashion.
You are going to read an online article in which five experts discuss the impact of remote and hybrid work on society and the economy. For the following questions, choose from the experts (A-E). The experts may be chosen more than once.
THE REMOTE WORK REVOLUTION: FIVE EXPERTS ANALYZE THE NEW NORMAL
From the "Urban Doom Loop" to the rise of "Digital Nomads", five experts weigh in on how the shift away from the traditional office is reshaping our world.
A
From a purely financial perspective, the shift to remote work is a logical evolution. For companies, the math is simple: fewer people in the office means less need for expensive real estate. By downsizing headquarters and cutting overheads like electricity, security, and cleaning services, businesses can save millions annually. This isn't just good for the employer; it's a massive perk for the workforce. Employees are no longer burning cash on gas, train tickets, or expensive business lunches. More importantly, the flexibility to work from home has proven to be a powerful tool for retention. Surveys consistently show that workers are less likely to quit if they can avoid the stress of a daily commute, making remote work a win-win for the bottom line.
B
We are witnessing a phenomenon known as the "Urban Doom Loop". For decades, city centers relied on the daily flood of office workers to support coffee shops, dry cleaners, and restaurants. With that tide receding, small businesses are closing, and commercial property values are plummeting. This creates a dangerous cycle: as property values drop, the city collects less tax revenue. With less money, the city has to cut essential services like sanitation and police, which makes the city less attractive, causing even more people to leave. Furthermore, public transit systems, which were designed for rush-hour crowds, are facing massive budget deficits. Without the revenue from daily commuters, maintaining these transport networks becomes unsustainable.
C
The initial dream of "work from anywhere, anytime" is fading. Companies are realizing that total flexibility can lead to chaos - teams struggle to coordinate when half the staff is offline or working from a beach in a different time zone. As a result, we are seeing a shift towards "Structured Hybrid" models. The industry standard is settling on a "three days in the office" policy. This isn't about micromanagement; it's about predictability. If employees choose their own days, you end up with a "ghost town" office on Mondays and Fridays. By mandating specific in-office days, managers ensure that when people do come in, their colleagues are actually there to collaborate with.
D
While we gain flexibility, we are losing "connection". The psychological toll of remote work is becoming clear, particularly regarding loneliness. In an office, you have "weak ties" - casual chats with people in the elevator or at the coffee machine. These small interactions are crucial for feeling part of a community. Without them, work becomes purely transactional. This is especially damaging for Generation Z. Young workers need mentorship and observation to learn. Sitting alone in a bedroom, staring at a screen, they miss out on the subtle social cues and networking opportunities that build a career. We are facing a silent epidemic of isolation where "Zoom fatigue" replaces genuine human connection.
E
The rise of the "Digital Nomad" - people who travel the world while working online - is often romanticized, but it has a dark side. We call this "geographic arbitrage": earning a high salary in Dollars or Euros while spending it in a country with a lower cost of living. While this sounds great for the nomad, it can be devastating for the host community. In cities like Lisbon or Mexico City, landlords prefer to rent to nomads on short-term platforms like Airbnb because they can charge much more. This gentrification pushes local families out of their own neighborhoods. It creates a "bubble" where foreigners live a luxury lifestyle that locals can no longer afford, leading to social friction and resentment.
Younger employees may find it difficult to build necessary professional networks without face-to-face interaction.
The influx of wealthy remote workers into specific tourist destinations has made housing unaffordable for local residents.
A rigid schedule for office attendance is becoming the industry standard to ensure teams can collaborate effectively.
City councils are facing a potential financial crisis due to the sharp drop in tax revenue from commercial businesses.
Remote work offers significant financial advantages for businesses by drastically reducing fixed operational costs.
The lack of casual, unplanned interactions in a physical space can lead to a deep sense of social isolation among staff.
Earning a strong currency while living in a lower-cost region creates an economic imbalance that disadvantages locals.
Public transport systems are at risk of collapsing because ridership numbers have failed to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Allowing employees to choose their own schedules often results in empty offices on certain days, making coordination difficult.
Eliminating the daily commute is a key factor in improving employee satisfaction and keeping staff from leaving.
Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.
Lan spent two hours finishing her assignment.
=> It took ...............
Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.
It might rain later, so take an umbrella.
=> Take an umbrella ...............
Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.
Peter is the most intelligent student in my class.
=> No one in my class ...............
Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.
I can't wait until we do some experiments in the science lab.
=> I'm really looking forward ...............
Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it.
If I were you, I wouldn't stay in the sun without sunscreen.
=> You had better ...............
Use the word given in brackets and make any necessary additions to complete a new sentence in such a way that it is as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence. Do not change the form of the given word.
I'm hungry. Let's eat something now. (HAVE)
=> I'm hungry. Why to eat now?
Use the word given in brackets and make any necessary additions to complete a new sentence in such a way that it is as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence. Do not change the form of the given word.
It's strange for me to work at this time of the day. (USED)
=> I'm at this time of the day.
Use the word given in brackets and make any necessary additions to complete a new sentence in such a way that it is as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence. Do not change the form of the given word.
My close friend hasn't met me for a month. (SAW)
=> I last a month ago.
Use the word given in brackets and make any necessary additions to complete a new sentence in such a way that it is as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence. Do not change the form of the given word.
The residents could not sleep because the traffic was noisy. (OF)
=> The residents could not traffic.
Use the word given in brackets and make any necessary additions to complete a new sentence in such a way that it is as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence. Do not change the form of the given word.
Many students couldn't afford to buy a laptop. (EXPENSIVE)
=> A laptop was too to buy.
You are Minh. You have just joined a club in your area and you think your English friend, Leo, would enjoy going there with you.
Write an email (80-100 words) to him. In your email: