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.

 

According to paragraph 4, which of the following is NOT a direct cause of tree death?

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.

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 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 31 to 40.

           Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This phenomenon is largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming and causing severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, to become more frequent and intense. Climate change impacts nearly every region of the world and affects the natural environment, economies, and human health.

           As temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming rates, contributing to rising sea levels. Coastal regions face an increased risk of flooding, and many low-lying islands are at risk of disappearing entirely. Additionally, higher temperatures lead to the warming of oceans, affecting marine ecosystems and causing coral bleaching, which threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing.

            [I] The consequences of climate change are not just environmental; they also affect human society in significant ways. [II] Changes in weather patterns disrupt agriculture, leading to crop failures and food shortages in vulnerable regions. [III] Furthermore, climate change is linked to health issues such as respiratory diseases, heat strokes, and the spread of diseases carried by insects, like malaria and dengue fever. [IV]

           To combat climate change, a coordinated global effort is necessary. Governments, organizations, and individuals all have roles to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Shifting to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is essential. Additionally, conserving forests and investing in technology that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can help mitigate the effects of climate change and pave the way for a healthier planet.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of climate change in the passage?

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 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 statements is true according to the passage?

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 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 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! 

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 questions.

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 31 to 40.

Sustainable development has become a priority worldwide, as nations work to balance economic growth with environmental preservation. [I] Sustainable practices are critical to ensure that natural resources are conserved for future generations, while also meeting today’s economic needs. [II] Many countries have invested in green technologies to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change.

[III] However, achieving sustainability involves more than just technology; it requires a collective shift in mindset towards reducing waste, reusing materials, and protecting biodiversity. [IV] According to the United Nations, sustainable development must incorporate social equity, economic progress, and environmental stewardship to be effective.

A key factor driving sustainability efforts is the awareness of limited resources. The earth’s resources, such as freshwater, fossil fuels, and fertile land, are finite, and overuse can lead to scarcity. In recent years, many nations have implemented regulations to control the extraction and consumption of resources, aiming to curb excessive demand and reduce environmental impact. For example, many cities have introduced restrictions on single-use plastics and have promoted recycling programs as a means to encourage responsible waste management.

While developing countries may prioritize industrial growth to boost economic development, developed nations often focus on reducing their carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly policies. This disparity can lead to challenges in international relations, as countries negotiate agreements on emissions and resource use. Organizations like the United Nations work to bridge these gaps through global frameworks that encourage cooperation, but disparities in priorities and resources can hinder progress.

Increasing public awareness about environmental sustainability has been another critical component of these efforts. Through education and media campaigns, individuals are encouraged to adopt environmentally conscious practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using public transport, and supporting local economies. By making small adjustments in daily life, individuals contribute to broader global sustainability goals, ultimately promoting a healthier planet for future generations.

What does the word This in paragraph 3 refer to?

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 advertisement/ 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 from 10 to 15.

APPRENTICE ADMINISTRATOR IN A CAR DEALERSHIP

 A successful car dealership specializing (10) ___ second-hand cars is looking for an apprentice administrator to provide administrative support for the team. This would be (11) _____ fantastic opportunity for someone looking for an entry-level position in administration as no (12) _____ is required. The ideal candidate should also be able to work on Saturdays.

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 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.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct arrangement of the sentences to make a meaningful paragraph/letter in each of the following questions.

a.  Finally, would you mind telling me if there are native German-speaking teachers at your language centre?

b.   First, could you please let me know whether there are German courses at your language centre?

c.  Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to ask for some information about the language courses at your language centre.

d.   I look forward to hearing from you.

e.   Yours faithfully,

f.   Next, I would also like to know how long the course for beginners lasts and how often classes take place.

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 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 31 to 40.

           Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This phenomenon is largely driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming and causing severe weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, to become more frequent and intense. Climate change impacts nearly every region of the world and affects the natural environment, economies, and human health.

           As temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming rates, contributing to rising sea levels. Coastal regions face an increased risk of flooding, and many low-lying islands are at risk of disappearing entirely. Additionally, higher temperatures lead to the warming of oceans, affecting marine ecosystems and causing coral bleaching, which threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing.

            [I] The consequences of climate change are not just environmental; they also affect human society in significant ways. [II] Changes in weather patterns disrupt agriculture, leading to crop failures and food shortages in vulnerable regions. [III] Furthermore, climate change is linked to health issues such as respiratory diseases, heat strokes, and the spread of diseases carried by insects, like malaria and dengue fever. [IV]

           To combat climate change, a coordinated global effort is necessary. Governments, organizations, and individuals all have roles to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Shifting to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is essential. Additionally, conserving forests and investing in technology that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can help mitigate the effects of climate change and pave the way for a healthier planet.

Where in paragraph 3 does the following sentence best fit?

"These impacts have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond environmental damage."