Listen to the whole conversation. For each question, choose the correct answer. Question 36 to 40.

What does Andy like most about the computer?

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

1. Moving directly from school to work or higher education can be difficult and stressful. The transition from one demanding environment to another often leaves little time to pause and reflect. [I] A gap year provides an excellent opportunity to take a break, think about your goals, and plan for the future. [II] It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience personal growth through real-world learning. [III] For example, you could travel to new places, volunteer for meaningful causes, or immerse yourself in different cultures. [IV]

2. Academic life often feels like a constant race, with little time to pause due to classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. This intense schedule often leads to academic burnout, leaving students feeling unmotivated. A gap year provides the opportunity to recharge and rebuild enthusiasm for academic pursuits. By taking this break, students can return to their studies feeling refreshed and ready to achieve their goals.

3. For many students, a gap year is a chance to discover their interests and purposes. While some know their career path early, most are unsure about their future. During a gap year, you can explore what you enjoy and develop a clearer vision for your life. This time of self-discovery ensures you return to school ready to succeed in a major you are passionate about.

4. Additionally, a gap year helps build essential interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers and universities. Whether volunteering abroad, leading community projects, or networking in your field of interest, these experiences can set you apart from others. A gap year not only prepares you for future challenges but also helps you grow into a confident, capable individual.

5. In conclusion, a gap year is a powerful tool for gaining experience, reducing stress, and finding direction.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the essential skills that can be gained from a gap year in paragraph 4?

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

1. Moving directly from school to work or higher education can be difficult and stressful. The transition from one demanding environment to another often leaves little time to pause and reflect. [I] A gap year provides an excellent opportunity to take a break, think about your goals, and plan for the future. [II] It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience personal growth through real-world learning. [III] For example, you could travel to new places, volunteer for meaningful causes, or immerse yourself in different cultures. [IV]

2. Academic life often feels like a constant race, with little time to pause due to classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. This intense schedule often leads to academic burnout, leaving students feeling unmotivated. A gap year provides the opportunity to recharge and rebuild enthusiasm for academic pursuits. By taking this break, students can return to their studies feeling refreshed and ready to achieve their goals.

3. For many students, a gap year is a chance to discover their interests and purposes. While some know their career path early, most are unsure about their future. During a gap year, you can explore what you enjoy and develop a clearer vision for your life. This time of self-discovery ensures you return to school ready to succeed in a major you are passionate about.

4. Additionally, a gap year helps build essential interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers and universities. Whether volunteering abroad, leading community projects, or networking in your field of interest, these experiences can set you apart from others. A gap year not only prepares you for future challenges but also helps you grow into a confident, capable individual.

5. In conclusion, a gap year is a powerful tool for gaining experience, reducing stress, and finding direction.

The word intense in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to __________.

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Trade Schools: A Practical Path to Career Success

1. If you prefer hands-on learning and seeing the results of your hard work, a trade school could be an excellent option. Trade schools focus on practical education, providing students with the skills they need to succeed in specific industries. They are an affordable and efficient way to prepare for in-demand jobs and enter the workforce quickly.

2. Trades are skilled jobs that require specialized training. While traditional trades include fields like construction and manufacturing, the range of trades has expanded to include technology, healthcare, culinary arts, and more. Trade programs are available at trade schools, vocational schools, and some community colleges. Unlike four-year colleges, trade schools focus entirely on the chosen field, skipping general elective courses. Programs usually take a few months to two years and award certificates instead of degrees.

3. One of the biggest advantages of trade schools is their affordability compared to four-year colleges. Students at accredited trade schools can apply for financial aid through FAFSA, which provides access to scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholarships and grants are particularly helpful because they don't need to be repaid. Costs vary by program, so researching options is important.

4. Trade schools offer many benefits. Classes are often small, so students receive personalized support from instructors. Graduates enter stable, high-paying fields that often provide union benefits and protections. Programs are often designed around local industry needs, offering strong employment opportunities in fields like energy, maritime work, or wind farming.

5. Many trade schools partner with employers to provide internships or apprenticeships. These paid opportunities allow students to gain valuable on-the-job experience, making trade schools a smart choice for career-focused individuals.

The word their in paragraph 3 refers to __________.

You will hear five people talking about the most important inventions of the 20th century. Listen and choose the reasons they give for their choices. Question 36 to 40.

MP3 players ________.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

Why are you buying that easel and some brushes? Are you taking up ________?

Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

Apprenticeships: A Pathway for Adolescents

Adolescence is often seen as a challenging stage in life, but this idea is shaped by modern systems. (18) _______. Confined to restrictive school systems and isolated from real-life experiences, adolescents may feel frustration, apathy, and anger. (19) _______. In many cultures, teenagers are capable of young adults who contribute to their communities.

Dr. Robert Epstein explains that modern schooling and restrictions on youth labor are outdated. These systems were created during the Industrial Revolution and do not fit today's world. (20) _______, adolescents often feel disconnected from adult roles. However, teenagers can succeed (21) _______.

One solution is expanding apprenticeships. These programs, praised by leaders like President Trump, give teenagers practical experience and skills. (22) _______, creating a pathway for career success and personal growth.

It is important to support adolescents by creating opportunities for them to develop naturally. Apprenticeships offer a formal pathway to success and a better connection to the adult world.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word whose underlined part differs  from that of the other three in pronunciation in each of the following questions.

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we live and learn. [I] It offers many benefits for students, especially in personalizing education. [II] AI adjusts the learning speed to fit each student's progress, ensuring no one is left behind or rushed. [III] It also adapts to different learning styles, using visual, auditory, and interactive methods. [IV] This support improves both academic knowledge and essential life skills, making learning more meaningful.

2. AI is reshaping education with personalized experiences, flexible programs, and easy access to opportunities. According to the International Data Corporation, the global AI in education market is expected to exceed 150 billion dollars by 2027. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies create immersive learning experiences by bringing abstract ideas to life. AR overlays digital content onto the real world, while VR offers a fully immersive, simulated environment. These technologies help make difficult concepts easier to understand through hands-on learning, such as virtually exploring space or dissecting a frog. AI enhances these experiences, making them more engaging and effective.

3. UNESCO emphasizes AI's role in addressing challenges like limited access to quality education, teacher shortages, and lack of resources. Countries like Singapore and the U.S. are leading in AI adoption. Singapore's "Smart Nation" strategy uses AI to automate grading and provide personalized feedback, even for students with special needs. In the U.S., government programs focus on adaptive learning and personalized assessments to improve education.

4. While AI has the potential to improve education, it also presents several challenges and ethical concerns. AI systems depend on large amounts of data, including sensitive student information such as academic records and learning preferences. It is essential to handle this data responsibly, ensuring students' privacy is protected. Additionally, AI tools may not always be designed with all students in mind, particularly those with disabilities. Therefore, accessibility must be prioritized during development to ensure that AI provides equal opportunities for all learners.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of AI for learners?

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other  three in the position of stress in each of the following questions.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

William Shakespeare is one of the most famous_________ of all time.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other three in the position of primary stress in each of the following sentences.

Mark the letter A, B, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that best completes each of the following exchanges.

Peter: Well, I really have to go now. - Helen: ________.

Read the following passage and choose the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

1. Moving directly from school to work or higher education can be difficult and stressful. The transition from one demanding environment to another often leaves little time to pause and reflect. [I] A gap year provides an excellent opportunity to take a break, think about your goals, and plan for the future. [II] It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and experience personal growth through real-world learning. [III] For example, you could travel to new places, volunteer for meaningful causes, or immerse yourself in different cultures. [IV]

2. Academic life often feels like a constant race, with little time to pause due to classes, homework, and extracurricular activities. This intense schedule often leads to academic burnout, leaving students feeling unmotivated. A gap year provides the opportunity to recharge and rebuild enthusiasm for academic pursuits. By taking this break, students can return to their studies feeling refreshed and ready to achieve their goals.

3. For many students, a gap year is a chance to discover their interests and purposes. While some know their career path early, most are unsure about their future. During a gap year, you can explore what you enjoy and develop a clearer vision for your life. This time of self-discovery ensures you return to school ready to succeed in a major you are passionate about.

4. Additionally, a gap year helps build essential interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers and universities. Whether volunteering abroad, leading community projects, or networking in your field of interest, these experiences can set you apart from others. A gap year not only prepares you for future challenges but also helps you grow into a confident, capable individual.

5. In conclusion, a gap year is a powerful tool for gaining experience, reducing stress, and finding direction.

Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

For each question, choose the correct answer. Question 31 to 35.

Listen to two friends talking together in a shop. Why does Ruby want to buy the sunglasses?

Read the following passage and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

Apprenticeships: A Pathway for Adolescents

Adolescence is often seen as a challenging stage in life, but this idea is shaped by modern systems. (18) _______. Confined to restrictive school systems and isolated from real-life experiences, adolescents may feel frustration, apathy, and anger. (19) _______. In many cultures, teenagers are capable of young adults who contribute to their communities.

Dr. Robert Epstein explains that modern schooling and restrictions on youth labor are outdated. These systems were created during the Industrial Revolution and do not fit today's world. (20) _______, adolescents often feel disconnected from adult roles. However, teenagers can succeed (21) _______.

One solution is expanding apprenticeships. These programs, praised by leaders like President Trump, give teenagers practical experience and skills. (22) _______, creating a pathway for career success and personal growth.

It is important to support adolescents by creating opportunities for them to develop naturally. Apprenticeships offer a formal pathway to success and a better connection to the adult world.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word that differs from the other three in the position of primary stress in each of the following sentences.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word whose underlined part differs from the other three in pronunciation in each of the following sentences.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word whose underlined part differs from the other three in pronunciation in each of the following sentences.

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.

Painting and writing on walls is nothing new. In prehistoric times, people in Africa and Europe painted pictures of animals and people in caves. Graffiti has been found at ancient sites in Greece, Italy, Syria and Iraq. In the Roman town of Pompeii in Italy, archaeologists found a lot of graffiti written in Latin, including political and romantic messages, and even some magic spells!

In the 1970s, young people in New York used pens to write their names, or 'tags', on walls around the city. One of the first 'taggers' was Demetrius, a teenager from a Greek family. Demetrius's tag was TAKI 183. TAKI was his nickname and 183 was the number of the street where he lived – 183rd Street. At first, he wrote his tag on walls in his neighbourhood. Then he started writing it in subway stations on the way to school. When the subway train stopped at a station, he jumped off, wrote his 'tag' on the wall and then jumped back on the train before the doors closed. Other teenagers saw Demetrius's tag and started writing their own tags on walls, buses and subway trains all over New York: Barbara 62, Joe 182 ...

Then, some teenagers stopped using pens and started using aerosol paints. Their tags were bigger and more colourful. Aerosol paint graffiti became very popular in the 1970s and 1980s and appeared on trains, buses

and walls around the world. In the 1990s and 2000s, a lot of graffiti artists started to make pictures too. Some artists were interested in politics and tried to make people think about social problems and discrimination with their pictures. Other artists wanted to make cities more beautiful. In South America, street artists started painting in poor areas. They brought colour and beauty to grey, city walls.

What is not mentioned in the passage?

Read the following advertisement/school announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF ENGLISH SPEAKING COMPETITION

The school youth union would like to announce:

·       We (13) __________ an English Speaking Competition in a couple of weeks to help boost your confidence in speaking English.

·       We encourage all students (14) ______________in improving their English speaking skills to take part in this exciting contest!

·       It's a fun opportunity to refine your speaking abilities and express your ideas confidently. (15) _________, you will build your self-assurance in using English

·       Get ready to share your thoughts and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Keep an eye out for more details on how to participate!