Read the following passage about Earth Hour and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that benefits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
Earth Hour is a movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (18)______. It encourages people and businesses to turn off their lights and other non-essential electrical devices, for an hour from 8:30 to 9:30p.m on the last Saturday of March. The initiative was proposed in 2004 in Australia, but the idea of a worldwide movement (19) ______. Earth Hour was started as a lights-out event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, it has grown to become an international movement for the environment, (20) ______. Later in October 2007, a similar event called “Lights Out” was held in San Francisco.
Due to the success of the event, the organizers decided to hold Earth Hour annually around the world. (21)______. More importantly, it has helped raise awareness of climate change and has become a symbol of our commitment to protecting our planet. Although one hour can’t change the world, it encourages governments and people to set long-term goals for sustainable development around the world.
Joining the event in 2009, (22) ______. Besides switching off lights, people can take part in a number of activities to raise awareness of environmental problems and call for action for climate, people and nature.
Bộ đề thi giúp học sinh lớp 12 làm quen với cấu trúc và nội dung đề thi tốt nghiệp THPT môn Tiếng Anh năm 2025. Đề thi được xây dựng theo định hướng của Bộ GD ĐT, bao gồm các phần Ngữ âm, Từ vựng - Ngữ pháp, Chức năng giao tiếp, Kỹ năng đọc hiểu, Kỹ năng viết và Phát âm - Trọng âm. Hệ thống câu hỏi đa dạng, bám sát chương trình học, giúp học sinh rèn luyện kỹ năng làm bài và nâng cao tư duy ngôn ngữ. Đáp án chi tiết đi kèm hỗ trợ học sinh tự ôn tập, đánh giá năng lực và chuẩn bị tốt nhất cho kỳ thi quan trọng.
Câu hỏi liên quan
Read the following passage about environmental pollution 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 23 to 30.
Since the early 1980s, people have become more aware of the serious effects of large-scale pollution on the environment. This kind of pollution often happens because of poor planning in developing countries or the short-sighted policies of some industrialized nations. These countries use up a large portion of the world’s natural resources, even though only a small part of the world’s population lives there.
Events like the Great Smog of London, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and the nuclear accident at Chernobyl have received a lot of media attention, as have other acts that harm the environment. However, it’s important to remember that not all pollution is on such a large scale. In fact, a lot of pollution comes from sources closer to home. For instance, a recent oil spill from a tanker in Sydney accidentally released oil into the harbor. This not only damaged the surrounding area but also created toxic fumes that hung over the nearby suburbs for days, leaving residents frustrated and questioning how such a disaster could happen.
Protecting ourselves from pollution can feel like a never-ending task. We try to avoid breathing in traffic fumes, stay away from industrial areas, and wear masks when cycling. All of this might make some people feel safest at home. However, new research shows that staying indoors is not always better. Studies indicate that levels of harmful gases, dust, and other chemicals are often higher indoors than outdoors, even in polluted cities. Since most people spend more time inside than outside, some experts think we may need to pay more attention to indoor pollution to improve public health.
In conclusion, awareness of environmental pollution has grown since the 1980s due to major incidents and local sources of harm. While large-scale events like Chernobyl capture attention, everyday issues, including indoor pollution, also pose serious health risks. Addressing both is vital for public health and environmental protection.
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of events recieving a lot of media attention?
Read the following passage about Climate Change 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 23 to 30.
Climate Change and Its Impacts on Earth
Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.
Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.
The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.
To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
The word "its" in paragraph 4 refers to:
Read of 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 7 to 12.
How dangerous is using solid fuels at home? When coal, wood, and other solid fuels are used for cooking or heating, they release a significant (7)______ of black carbon and other harmful pollutants. These tiny particles, along with (8)______ from incomplete combustion, can enter our bodies and, in the long term, cause serious health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. (9)______ the dangers caused by these solid fuels, household air pollution is responsible for millions of deaths each year. Using soot-free fuels is essential. Renewable energy is the future! There are several reasons why it is the best (10)______ to fossil fuels. Firstly, the sources of fossil fuel will be depleted within this century, while renewable energy comes from natural resources that will never (11)______. Secondly, renewable energy is reliable, efficient, and can adapt to various needs. Finally, renewable energy is clean, producing no harmful (12)_______ or contributing to climate change. Let’s power the planet with renewable energy and create a healthier, more sustainable world for ourselves and others!
Read the following passage about the urban shift 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 31 to 40.
[I] Landslides are a significant environmental challenge in the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam, partiCularly during the rainy season. The region, characterized by steep slopes and heavy rainfall, is prone to this natural disaster, which poses serious threats to both the local population and infrastructure. [II] ln recent years, numerous landslides have occurred, often triggered by prolonged periods of heavy rain, resulting in devastating impacts on communities and livelihoods.
The mountainous terrain, combined with deforestation and improper land use, exacerbates the risk of landslides. [III] As farmers clear forests for agriculture, the natural vegetation that stabilizes the soil is lost, making slopes more susceptible to erosion. When heavy rains saturate the soil, it can quickly become unstable, leading to sudden and destructive landslides. [IV]
In response to this growing threat, local authorities and environmental organizations are taking proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with landslides. Efforts include reforestation projects, improving drainage systems, and raising public awareness about safe practices du ring the rainy season. Additionally, advanced monitoring systems are being implemented to provide early warnings, allowing communities to evacuate before a disaster strikes.
Despite these efforts, the challenges remain significant, and ongoing education and support for sustainable land management practices are crucial for reducing the incidence and impact of landslides in northern Vietnam.
Which of the following best summarises the passage?
Read the following passage about education in Nepal 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 31 to 40.
A few years ago, amid a record drought, scientists noticed something odd. A few of California’s giant sequoias inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were dying in ways no one had ever documented – from the top down. When researchers climbed into the canopies, they discovered that beetles had bored into a few branches. By 2019, at least 38 of the trees had died – not a large number, but "concerning because we’ve never observed this before,” says Christy Brigham, the park’s chief of resource management.
Scientists had assumed that stately sequoias, with their bug-repelling tannins, were immune to dangerous pests. Worried experts are investigating whether some mix of increased drought and wildfire, both worsened by climate change, have now made even sequoias susceptible to deadly insect invasions.
If so, these ancient sentinels would be just the latest example of a trend experts are documenting around the world: Trees in forests are dying at increasingly high rates—especially the bigger, older trees. According to a study in the journal Science, the death rate is making forests younger, threatening biodiversity, eliminating important plant and animal habitat, and reducing forests’ ability to store excess carbon dioxide generated by our consumption of fossil fuels. [A]
There is no single direct cause. Decades of logging and land clearing play a role, scientists say. But increasing temperatures and rising carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels have significantly magnified most other causes of tree death. Scientists are documenting longer and harsher droughts, more severe outbreaks of insects and disease, and increasingly catastrophic wildfires.
With 60,000 known tree species on Earth, those shifts are playing out differently across the planet. In central Europe, for instance, “You don’t have to look for dead trees,” says Henrik Hartmann, with Germany's Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. “They’re everywhere.” In one recent year, following a week of excessive heat, hundreds of thousands of beech trees dropped their leaves. Even in colder regions, “You get a couple of hot years and the forests are suffering,” says Hartmann. “There are individual species that are being driven beyond the threshold of what they can handle.” [B]
Just last year, massive fires marched through a dry Australia, smoldered across 7.4 million acres in northern Siberia, and focused the world’s attention on blazes in the Amazon.
The consequences of all these changes around the world are still being assessed. The first national look at tree mortality in Israel showed vast stretches disappearing, thanks largely to scorching heat and wildfires. [C] In a country largely blanketed by stone and sand, forests mean a great deal. Trees support nests for eagles and habitat for wolves and jackals. They hold soil with their roots. [D]
“We’re dealing with a very tough situation. It’s a race to the unknown,” says Tamir Klein at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
In the first paragraph, why does Christy Brigham say the death of 38 trees is concerning?
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 18 to 22.
The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.
The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.
Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.
The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.
Read the following passage about Climate Change 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 23 to 30.
Climate Change and Its Impacts on Earth
Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.
Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.
The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.
To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
The word "profound" in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to:
Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 34 to 40.
Australia has a well-organized and well-structured education system. The education starts at the age of five or six, but it may differ by a narrow margin between states. It starts with the preschool education which is not compulsory and can be offered within a school or separately. The primary and secondary school encompasses the compulsory education for Australians. There are a large number of primary and high school across the country with most of them being public schools. It is estimated that public schools amount to 60% of scholars as opposed to 40% in private settings. All these education providers must be licensed by the government and must fulfill certain requirements including infrastructure and teaching. Universities, on the other hand, are mainly public institutions.
The Australian education system has established a standard curriculum so all scholars will be given the same quality of education. Despite there may be some states at which this curriculum is modified a bit, but the change is not that significant. The actual curriculum set out in Australia education system is based on important abilities one must have in his life: Literacy, Numeracy, Information and communication technology, Critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability, ethical understanding, intercultural understanding.
Vocational and Technical schools prepare students that want to skip the university and want to move directly to the job market. Actually, here it stands the difference between universities and colleges: the Vocational and Technical Schools are more oriented in teaching practical skills while university courses are mainly theory-based to lead students to different academic careers. There are hundreds of other schools out there that provide technical and further education (TAFE) and vocational education and training (VET). These schools offer short courses, certificates I through IV, diplomas, and advanced diplomas. They focus on training their students in a particular vocation or just to help their students get out into the workplace. These schools offer a wide variety of courses and qualifications attained by these courses can lead to different career pathways to follow afterward.
Australian higher education modernity and reputation relies on a huge number of educational providers including universities and different training organizations. Currently, there are 43 universities across the country. The vast majority of universities are public except two private universities. The world-class teaching offered is surely undisputed. Seven Australian universities are traditionally found at the top 100 best universities in the world which is a sufficient indicator to highlight their quality.
Besides universities, more than 5,000 training organizations are registered and accredited. Actual figures show that the number of enrolled students is around 3.8 million with international students sharing more than half a million. There are also 3 self-accrediting higher education institutions. Furthermore, dozens of smaller schools do not grant any degrees or have an accreditation – these are private schools that focus on theology, business, information technology, natural therapies, hospitality, health, law, and accounting.
The word “reputation” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ________.
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 7 to 12.
Our natural resources will be ___(7)___ unless we save the energy ___(8)___.
Follow these tips to avoid wasting energy:
● Use a timer on your air-conditioning system. Just set air conditioning to come only ___(9)___.
● Close your curtains to stop heat escaping ___(10)___ the windows.
● Don’t leave the apps on your phones or laptops ___(11)___ unnecessarily.
● If you have a hot water tank, set the cylinder thermostat to 60ºC (140ºF).
● Don’t use your ___(12)___ every day. Hang out washing outside during nice weather.
Read the following passage about typhoon Yagi 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 18 to 22.
After hitting the Philippines, where it killed more than a dozen people, ___(18)___ and shortly after parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Nearly a week since it made landfall, many farms and villages in northern parts of Vietnam and neighboring Thailand remain under water as ___(19)___ with severe flooding and the looming threat of landslides.
In Vietnam, the death toll has risen to at least 226 as a result of the storm and the landslides and flash floods it triggered, the government’s disaster agency said Thursday, according to Reuters. ___(20)___.
At least 33 people have died across Thailand since mid-August ___(21)___, with at least nine deaths this week after Yagi, Reuters reported citing the local government.
Storms are being made more intense and deadlier by the warming ocean, scientists have long warned. While developed nations bear a greater historical responsibility for the human-induced climate crisis, ___(22)___.
(Adapted from CNN)
Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.
☘ Make a Statement This Plastic Free July!
Are you ready to go green and make an impact? Celebrate sustainably with Eco Promotional Products, Inc. (EPP)! We're here to help you host zero-waste events that inspire change while aligning with your values. (1) _______ these eco-friendly must-haves:
✔ Reusable Cotton Tote Bags – Ditch plastic and upgrade to (2) _______. Perfect for shopping or giveaways at events!
✔ Eco-Friendly Lip Balms – Keep lips (3) _______ with natural, recyclable lip balms. A thoughtful and sustainable gift.
✔ Bee's Wrap Food Covers – Say goodbye to plastic wrap! These compostable wraps are ideal for sandwiches, bowls, and fresh produce.
✔ Biodegradable Dishcloths – Replace paper towels (4) _______ plant-fiber dishcloths. A single cloth saves up to 15 rolls!
✔ Durable Steel Cups – Perfect for festivals or tailgates. Reduce plastic waste while enjoying your drink in style!
For every order, EPP plants (5) _______ tree seedling. Join the (6) _______ for a cleaner planet today!
Shop now or call 877-ECO-WINS (877-326-9467) to get started. Together, we can create a brighter, plastic-free future!
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 7 to 12.
Here are some ways to help reduce global warming. Which of these do you regularly do?
Don't use private cars. Your willingness to walk or cycle to nearby places can help reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and also reduce your own carbon footprint. Use public transport. If travelling long distances, then use public transport rather than your car. However, if you carpool (travel together with a group of people in one car), then you are choosing to help ___(7)___ environment. If we travel with ___(8)___, we will use less petrol.
Make a decision to reduce, recycle, and reuse. Reduce waste by buying reusable products. Don't forget to recycle plastics, glass, and paper products. You may wish to reuse some of your old items to ___(9)___, too. Take unneeded ___(10)___ to a recycling centre.
Buy local goods. When you buy goods ___(11)___ from far-away places, it takes a lot of energy to ___(12)___ them to your area. This means that if you don't buy local food and products, then more emissions of carbon dioxide will happen during the transportation process.
(Adapted from English Discovery)
Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere 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 31 to 40.
Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.
(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV) It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.
In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.
Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere 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 31 to 40.
Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.
(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV) It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.
In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.
The phrase " pin down " in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by:
Read the following passage about environmental pollution 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 23 to 30.
Since the early 1980s, people have become more aware of the serious effects of large-scale pollution on the environment. This kind of pollution often happens because of poor planning in developing countries or the short-sighted policies of some industrialized nations. These countries use up a large portion of the world’s natural resources, even though only a small part of the world’s population lives there.
Events like the Great Smog of London, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest and the nuclear accident at Chernobyl have received a lot of media attention, as have other acts that harm the environment. However, it’s important to remember that not all pollution is on such a large scale. In fact, a lot of pollution comes from sources closer to home. For instance, a recent oil spill from a tanker in Sydney accidentally released oil into the harbor. This not only damaged the surrounding area but also created toxic fumes that hung over the nearby suburbs for days, leaving residents frustrated and questioning how such a disaster could happen.
Protecting ourselves from pollution can feel like a never-ending task. We try to avoid breathing in traffic fumes, stay away from industrial areas, and wear masks when cycling. All of this might make some people feel safest at home. However, new research shows that staying indoors is not always better. Studies indicate that levels of harmful gases, dust, and other chemicals are often higher indoors than outdoors, even in polluted cities. Since most people spend more time inside than outside, some experts think we may need to pay more attention to indoor pollution to improve public health.
In conclusion, awareness of environmental pollution has grown since the 1980s due to major incidents and local sources of harm. While large-scale events like Chernobyl capture attention, everyday issues, including indoor pollution, also pose serious health risks. Addressing both is vital for public health and environmental protection.
Which of the following words is closest in meaning to "frustrated" as used in the passage?
Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.
The Importance of Green Buildings
Green buildings are designed to be environmentally friendly and resource-efficient throughout their entire lifecycle. (18) _______ while improving the quality of life for occupants.
By saving water, energy, and materials, and by using renewable energy and sustainable materials, green buildings aim to lower emissions and reduce waste. (19) _______. Since the building sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, green buildings have the greatest potential to help lower these emissions.
A significant benefit of green buildings is their economic impact. Developers gain higher property values, while occupants enjoy reduced costs, improved comfort, and better efficiency. (20) _______, which boosts employee performance and well-being. (21) _______.
With the support of policies and standards, green buildings have made significant progress in reducing energy use and environmental harm. (22) _______. Balancing economic and environmental goals ensures their success globally.
Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.
APPLICATIONS OF AI IN URBAN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
1. AI is transforming cities, making them smarter, more sustainable, and efficient. By integrating AI into urban planning, cities can operate more smoothly, enhancing the lives of those who live and work there. Key areas where AI can have a significant impact include digital twin technology, smart infrastructure, and optimizing transportation systems.
2. Digital twins are virtual versions of real cities created using data from sensors and devices. These digital models help city planners understand how a city works in real-time. Planners can test different ideas and plans in a virtual space before making changes in the real world. AI helps predict the outcomes of these tests, so the best solutions can be chosen. This saves time, resources, and reduces the risk of making mistakes. It also helps reduce the impact of changes like adjusting traffic flow or modifying energy use.
3. AI is also crucial for reducing the carbon footprint in urban environments, which is key to building sustainable cities. AI-driven platforms can optimize energy use, manage energy grids efficiently, and improve waste management systems. For instance, AI can predict when maintenance is needed, allowing problems to be fixed before they disrupt services. Smart grids can integrate renewable energy sources and optimize the way energy is distributed, minimizing waste and pollution. These solutions are leading the way to a low-carbon future, helping cities meet their net-zero emissions goals.
4. AI is also improving transportation in cities. By analyzing traffic data, public transport schedules, and pedestrian movement, AI helps optimize traffic flow and make public transport more reliable. Traffic lights become smarter, buses run on time, and pedestrian safety is improved. These improvements reduce traffic congestion and make cities more livable for everyone.
In which paragraph does the author mention cities' ambitious environmental goals?
Read the following passage about plastic bags 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 23 to 30.
Plastic bags are used by everybody. From a vegetable vendor to a designer store, everyone seems to use them. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the Earth. But, most of us are blissfully unaware of the outcomes that are occurring and will take place in the future.
Every once in a while, the government passes out an order banning store owners from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used every year in the U.S. alone. The problem is further worsened by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India.
Once they are used, most bags go into landfills. Each year, more and more bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. About 100,000 animals, such as dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins are killed every year due to these bags. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. One of the worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable. No one will live so long to witness the decomposition of plastic!
A tote bag can make a good substitute for carrying groceries and the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the bags you already have is another good idea. Plastics are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible.
The following are the negative effects of plastic bags on the environment, EXCEPT ____.
Read the following passage about the urban shift 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 31 to 40.
Pollution and Its Global Impact
[I] Pollution is one of the most pressing issues in the modern world, affecting not only the environment but also public health and global economies. [II] While urbanization and industrialization have brought significant progress, they have also introduced severe environmental challenges. [III] Reducing pollution requires a comprehensive approach that includes public awareness, technological innovation, and stricter environmental policies. [IV]
Air pollution is among the most widespread forms of environmental degradation. It stems from emissions by vehicles, factories, and deforestation, leading to harmful effects on both human health and the climate. According to the United Nations, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) causes millions of premature deaths annually. Water pollution, caused by untreated waste, agricultural runoff, and oil spills, destroys marine ecosystems and threatens human water supplies. Similarly, soil pollution—often overlooked—results from pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial waste, severely impacting agriculture and biodiversity.
While governments worldwide have implemented measures to combat pollution, individual action is equally essential. Reducing plastic consumption, opting for sustainable transportation, and recycling waste can significantly lessen environmental harm. Moreover, industries must adopt cleaner production methods, such as renewable energy and green technology. However, these solutions are effective only when paired with robust educational campaigns that encourage people to understand and address pollution’s consequences.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, especially in developing nations, where economic constraints hinder environmental policies and waste management systems. At the same time, wealthier countries often export waste to poorer regions, exacerbating the issue. Experts stress that international cooperation is essential to tackle pollution on a global scale. Unless all nations contribute, the planet’s resources and ecosystems may face irreversible damage.
The word constraints in the final paragraph most likely means:
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 18 to 22.
The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.
The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.
Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.
The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.
