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

1. Ocean conservation is the act of protecting and preserving the ecosystems in the world's oceans and seas. Various marine life, including fish, mammals, reptiles, plants, and other sea creatures, rely on ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and the deep sea for survival.

2. The oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. [I] Without the oceans' ability to balance the planet's temperature, much of the Earth would be uninhabitable. [II] According to the National 2. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ocean currents work like a “large conveyor belt.” [III] This circulation helps drive climate patterns worldwide. [IV] Since oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, they absorb most of the sun's energy. As the water heats up, it evaporates, which increases humidity and temperature. This process forms rain, which is carried by the wind across the planet.

3. An important job the ocean does is carbon sequestration. Phytoplankton, small marine algae, absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into sugar through photosynthesis. Sea creatures like shrimp, snails, and jellyfish eat these plankton. When these creatures die, their bodies sink to the ocean floor. As they decompose, the carbon remains stored in the deep ocean for millions of years, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

4. The ocean is home to a large percentage of life on Earth, with between 50% and 80% of all species living in the sea. Scientists estimate that between 220,000 and 250,000 species exist in the ocean, and many more remain undiscovered. The ocean's biodiversity is essential for human survival, offering clean air, fresh water, and protection from storms. However, this biodiversity is at risk, with many species threatened with extinction.

 

Where in paragraph 2 does the following sentence best fit?

Warm water moves from the equator to the poles, while cold water from the poles flows back toward the equator.

 

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. Firstly, the most important reason why we should invest in restoring them is that we are already suffering from the impact of their damage. Both air pollution and water pollution have increased and are affecting our health.

b. Today many people argue that we should spend more money on restoring local ecosystems.

c. Secondly, habitat loss has caused the disappearance of many plant and animal species. This has affected the balance of local ecosystems since all living things play an important role.

d. In conclusion, I firmly believe that it is essential to spend more money on restoring local ecosystems. Investing in nature conservation will help create a healthy and stable living environment for future generations.

e. Finally, much of our local forest has been cut down to make space for houses and farm land. This has led to more natural disasters in the region. For example, floods have become more common. They destroy people’s houses, fields, and crops every year. To prevent damage from natural disasters, we should spend more money on planting more trees and restoring our forest. 

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

1. Ocean conservation is the act of protecting and preserving the ecosystems in the world's oceans and seas. Various marine life, including fish, mammals, reptiles, plants, and other sea creatures, rely on ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and the deep sea for survival.

2. The oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. [I] Without the oceans' ability to balance the planet's temperature, much of the Earth would be uninhabitable. [II] According to the National 2. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ocean currents work like a “large conveyor belt.” [III] This circulation helps drive climate patterns worldwide. [IV] Since oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, they absorb most of the sun's energy. As the water heats up, it evaporates, which increases humidity and temperature. This process forms rain, which is carried by the wind across the planet.

3. An important job the ocean does is carbon sequestration. Phytoplankton, small marine algae, absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into sugar through photosynthesis. Sea creatures like shrimp, snails, and jellyfish eat these plankton. When these creatures die, their bodies sink to the ocean floor. As they decompose, the carbon remains stored in the deep ocean for millions of years, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

4. The ocean is home to a large percentage of life on Earth, with between 50% and 80% of all species living in the sea. Scientists estimate that between 220,000 and 250,000 species exist in the ocean, and many more remain undiscovered. The ocean's biodiversity is essential for human survival, offering clean air, fresh water, and protection from storms. However, this biodiversity is at risk, with many species threatened with extinction.

The word it in paragraph 2 refers to __________.

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

The Saola, known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the rarest and most endangered large mammals. (18) __________, never in the wild. Due to its extreme rarity and difficulty in being found, (19) __________. Action must be taken now to prevent the Saola from going extinct, and to preserve a symbol of biodiversity for both Vietnam and Laos.

The Saola is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it is very close to extinction. (20) __________. These traps often catch the Saola and the animal is then sold in the illegal wild meat trade. Thousands of these traps are set in the forests, harming many animals.

Another big problem is deforestation. Forests are being destroyed for farming, logging, and building projects like roads, mines, and power plants. (21) __________. The few remaining Saolas have trouble finding mates, and genetic inbreeding is a concern. (22) __________.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

Despite the wealth of information campaigns telling people about global warming and its causes, (24) ______ people have yet to realize how severe the problem is. Coming climate changes could alter as much as one third of plant and animal habitats by the end of the 22nd century. These changes could in turn cause widespread extinctions among plant and animal species around the globe.

Coastal and island habitats are perhaps in the greatest danger (25) ______ they face the combined threats of warming oceans and rising sea levels. As habitats change, many animals will come under intense pressure to find more suitable homes for themselves. Mass (26) ______ of at least some animals are certainly to be expected, but the fact remains that many animals will simply not be able to move fast enough.

Such dire predictions may sound alarmist, but they are based on the rather moderate estimate that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will double by 2100. Many scientists believe, however,this figure is actually very conservative, and they claim (27) ______ a tripling is far more realistic. If they are (28)  ______, the effects on nature will be even more dramatic.

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.

PLASTIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Plastic is a material we use every day. The first plastics were made more than 100 years ago from parts of plants. Plastics are now made from oil, coal and natural gas. We are using up these things so fast that the Earth's supplies may run out. Because of this, scientists are investigating new ideas for making plastics from plants such as sweet potato, bamboo and flax.

Things made from plastic can be useful for people but bad for the environment. Some plastics can last for a long time without wearing out, and can be difficult to get rid of when not needed. They can remain in rubbish dumps called landfill sites for hundreds of years. Landfills can be smelly, ugly, and harmful to our planet.

Recycling is a good way to get rid of unwanted plastics. Recycled waste materials can be used

again to make new products. This can be difficult as different types of plastic need to be recycled in different ways. Some kinds of plastics can be melted down and used to make new things such as bags and bottles. Others can be made into fibres (strands of material) for clothing.

Another way to protect the environment is to use canvas bags for shopping rather than plastic

ones. A lot of plastic objects can also be reused. Plastic bottles can be refilled many times, rather than throwing them away once they are empty. Unwanted plastic goods such as CDs and toys can be sold or given away to charity shops.

The word "They" in paragraph 2 refers to ______.

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

1. Megafires, which were once rare, are becoming more frequent. Over the past 40 years, the number of acres burned by wildfires in the United States has risen by 1,000 percent. Scientists believe that climate change is a key reason for this increase. Warmer and drier weather, along with earlier snowmelt, means that the dry season is now longer, leaving forests more vulnerable to fires.

2. In addition, past land management policies have also made the problem worse. For many years, the U.S. Forest Service focused on putting out all wildfires. However, people did not understand that some forests have evolved to burn. Occasional small fires remove undergrowth and allow new trees to grow, which helps keep the forests healthy.

3. During the 20th century, when forest rangers fought every fire, large amounts of dead wood built up in the forests. This created the perfect conditions for larger, hotter fires. When a fire starts in these areas, it is more likely to become a megafire. Unlike regular wildfires, megafires can permanently change the landscape. For example, the 2011 Las Conchas megafire in New Mexico turned some forested areas into grasslands.

4. Some areas, like Florida and Australia, have used controlled burns to reduce the damage caused by wildfires. These fires are set deliberately to burn away dead matter without harming living plants. However, the U.S. Forest Service currently spends much of its budget fighting megafires, which are becoming more common each year.

5. In an ironic feedback loop, megafires are not only fueled by climate change, they also contribute to it by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a result, megafires could become even more common in the decades ahead.

Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

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.

PLASTIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Plastic is a material we use every day. The first plastics were made more than 100 years ago from parts of plants. Plastics are now made from oil, coal and natural gas. We are using up these things so fast that the Earth's supplies may run out. Because of this, scientists are investigating new ideas for making plastics from plants such as sweet potato, bamboo and flax.

Things made from plastic can be useful for people but bad for the environment. Some plastics can last for a long time without wearing out, and can be difficult to get rid of when not needed. They can remain in rubbish dumps called landfill sites for hundreds of years. Landfills can be smelly, ugly, and harmful to our planet.

Recycling is a good way to get rid of unwanted plastics. Recycled waste materials can be used

again to make new products. This can be difficult as different types of plastic need to be recycled in different ways. Some kinds of plastics can be melted down and used to make new things such as bags and bottles. Others can be made into fibres (strands of material) for clothing.

Another way to protect the environment is to use canvas bags for shopping rather than plastic

ones. A lot of plastic objects can also be reused. Plastic bottles can be refilled many times, rather than throwing them away once they are empty. Unwanted plastic goods such as CDs and toys can be sold or given away to charity shops.

The phrase "get rid of" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to ______.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

Despite the wealth of information campaigns telling people about global warming and its causes, (24) ______ people have yet to realize how severe the problem is. Coming climate changes could alter as much as one third of plant and animal habitats by the end of the 22nd century. These changes could in turn cause widespread extinctions among plant and animal species around the globe.

Coastal and island habitats are perhaps in the greatest danger (25) ______ they face the combined threats of warming oceans and rising sea levels. As habitats change, many animals will come under intense pressure to find more suitable homes for themselves. Mass (26) ______ of at least some animals are certainly to be expected, but the fact remains that many animals will simply not be able to move fast enough.

Such dire predictions may sound alarmist, but they are based on the rather moderate estimate that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will double by 2100. Many scientists believe, however,this figure is actually very conservative, and they claim (27) ______ a tripling is far more realistic. If they are (28)  ______, the effects on nature will be even more dramatic.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is CLOSEST in meaning to each of the following questions.

If there hadn’t been such a strong wind, it wouldn’t have been so difficult to put out the fire.

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

1. Ocean conservation is the act of protecting and preserving the ecosystems in the world's oceans and seas. Various marine life, including fish, mammals, reptiles, plants, and other sea creatures, rely on ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and the deep sea for survival.

2. The oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. [I] Without the oceans' ability to balance the planet's temperature, much of the Earth would be uninhabitable. [II] According to the National 2. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ocean currents work like a “large conveyor belt.” [III] This circulation helps drive climate patterns worldwide. [IV] Since oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, they absorb most of the sun's energy. As the water heats up, it evaporates, which increases humidity and temperature. This process forms rain, which is carried by the wind across the planet.

3. An important job the ocean does is carbon sequestration. Phytoplankton, small marine algae, absorb carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into sugar through photosynthesis. Sea creatures like shrimp, snails, and jellyfish eat these plankton. When these creatures die, their bodies sink to the ocean floor. As they decompose, the carbon remains stored in the deep ocean for millions of years, preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

4. The ocean is home to a large percentage of life on Earth, with between 50% and 80% of all species living in the sea. Scientists estimate that between 220,000 and 250,000 species exist in the ocean, and many more remain undiscovered. The ocean's biodiversity is essential for human survival, offering clean air, fresh water, and protection from storms. However, this biodiversity is at risk, with many species threatened with extinction.

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

Read the following passage 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 24 to 28.

Coincident with concerns about the accelerating loss of species and habitats has been a growing appreciation of the importance of biological diversity, the (24) _______ of species in a particular ecosystem, to the health of the Earth and human well-being. Much has been written about the diversity of terrestrial organisms, particularly the exceptionally rich life associated tropical rainforest habitats. Relatively little has been said, (25) _______ , about the diversity of life in the sea even though coral reef systems are comparable to rain forest in terms of richness of life.

An alien exploring Earth would probably (26) _______ priority to the planet's dominants – most distinctive feature - the ocean. Humans have a bias toward land (27) _______ sometimes gets in the way of truly examining global issues. Seen from far away, it is easy to realize that landmasses occupy only one-third of the Earth's surface. Given that two thirds of the Earth's surface is water and that marine life lives at all levels of the ocean, the total three-dimensional living space of the ocean is perhaps 100 times (28) _______ than that of land and contains more than 90 percent of all life on Earth even though the ocean has fewer distinct species.

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

1. [I] Waste management is a major issue for cities worldwide, and European cities are leading the way with innovative solutions. [II] One such solution is Waste-to-Energy (WtE), which has become increasingly popular. [III] It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills while generating clean energy, supporting sustainability, and promoting a circular economy. [IV]

2. The European Union (EU) has set an ambitious goal to reduce landfill use to less than 10% of municipal waste by 2035. To meet this target, solutions like WtE are encouraged. Landfilling is considered the least desirable option in the EU's waste management hierarchy. By diverting waste to WtE, pollution in soil and groundwater is reduced, and harmful emissions in the air and water are minimized. EU regulations ensure that WtE plants operate under strict emission limits, protecting public health and the environment.

3. In addition to reducing waste sent to landfills, WtE also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels. It also reduces emissions from the burning process by recycling the by-products of combustion. WtE technologies, when equipped with proper pollution control systems, can contribute to clean energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many European WtE plants are also exploring Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies to further reduce their carbon footprint.

4. European cities are adopting the principles of the circular economy, which emphasizes reusing, recycling, and recovering resources. WtE fits into this model by converting waste into valuable resources. The heat generated during incineration can be used for district heating, and materials like metals and minerals recovered from waste can be reused in production, reducing the strain on natural resources.

5. There are over 500 WtE plants operating in major European cities like Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Barcelona. These plants contribute to sustainable urban development, turning waste into clean energy. As technology improves, WtE will play an even more significant role in Europe's sustainable future.

Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

WtE is a reliable technology that helps treat waste that cannot be recycled.

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

The speaker: We need to plant more trees and limit the use of gasoline. - The audience: ________

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

Smart grids are systems that use advanced technology, like smart meters, to collect real-time data. This data helps improve energy efficiency and manage electricity better. However, (18) __________.

AI plays an important role in these grids (19) __________. Acting as the “brain” of the grid, AI interprets signals from sensors, predicts what might happen next, and decides the best actions. For example, when there is a sudden rise in energy demand, AI can quickly adjust the flow of electricity to prevent blackouts. (20) __________, AI can warn operators before serious failures occur, allowing them to take action before repairs are needed. (21) __________.

AI also helps businesses understand energy usage patterns and weather forecasts. By analyzing this information, they can predict when and where electricity will be needed, ensuring it is available at the right time and place. (22) __________. As a result, consumers often see lower electricity bills, while energy providers become more efficient.

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

The Saola, known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the rarest and most endangered large mammals. (18) __________, never in the wild. Due to its extreme rarity and difficulty in being found, (19) __________. Action must be taken now to prevent the Saola from going extinct, and to preserve a symbol of biodiversity for both Vietnam and Laos.

The Saola is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it is very close to extinction. (20) __________. These traps often catch the Saola and the animal is then sold in the illegal wild meat trade. Thousands of these traps are set in the forests, harming many animals.

Another big problem is deforestation. Forests are being destroyed for farming, logging, and building projects like roads, mines, and power plants. (21) __________. The few remaining Saolas have trouble finding mates, and genetic inbreeding is a concern. (22) __________.

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

1. [I] Waste management is a major issue for cities worldwide, and European cities are leading the way with innovative solutions. [II] One such solution is Waste-to-Energy (WtE), which has become increasingly popular. [III] It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills while generating clean energy, supporting sustainability, and promoting a circular economy. [IV]

2. The European Union (EU) has set an ambitious goal to reduce landfill use to less than 10% of municipal waste by 2035. To meet this target, solutions like WtE are encouraged. Landfilling is considered the least desirable option in the EU's waste management hierarchy. By diverting waste to WtE, pollution in soil and groundwater is reduced, and harmful emissions in the air and water are minimized. EU regulations ensure that WtE plants operate under strict emission limits, protecting public health and the environment.

3. In addition to reducing waste sent to landfills, WtE also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels. It also reduces emissions from the burning process by recycling the by-products of combustion. WtE technologies, when equipped with proper pollution control systems, can contribute to clean energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many European WtE plants are also exploring Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies to further reduce their carbon footprint.

4. European cities are adopting the principles of the circular economy, which emphasizes reusing, recycling, and recovering resources. WtE fits into this model by converting waste into valuable resources. The heat generated during incineration can be used for district heating, and materials like metals and minerals recovered from waste can be reused in production, reducing the strain on natural resources.

5. There are over 500 WtE plants operating in major European cities like Paris, Vienna, Copenhagen, and Barcelona. These plants contribute to sustainable urban development, turning waste into clean energy. As technology improves, WtE will play an even more significant role in Europe's sustainable future.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a benefit of WtE in the passage?

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

The Saola, known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the rarest and most endangered large mammals. (18) __________, never in the wild. Due to its extreme rarity and difficulty in being found, (19) __________. Action must be taken now to prevent the Saola from going extinct, and to preserve a symbol of biodiversity for both Vietnam and Laos.

The Saola is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which means it is very close to extinction. (20) __________. These traps often catch the Saola and the animal is then sold in the illegal wild meat trade. Thousands of these traps are set in the forests, harming many animals.

Another big problem is deforestation. Forests are being destroyed for farming, logging, and building projects like roads, mines, and power plants. (21) __________. The few remaining Saolas have trouble finding mates, and genetic inbreeding is a concern. (22) __________.

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

Climate changes are one of the most intuitive changes in global warming. As a result of a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions, there is a sharp rise in high-temperature weather, which has an irreversible impact on our environment and ecology. Scientists say, “Changing weather patterns linked to rising global temperatures have resulted in a dearth of wind across northern China, according to several recent studies, exacerbating a wave of severe pollution that has been blamed for millions of premature deaths”. However, when I returned home last Christmas, there was no snow on the street, instead, it was a warm winter with sunshine. The continued of global warming may not only bring about changes in climate. The world may undergo more unpredictable changes due to global warming in the future.

Global climate change has seriously affected the living environment of animals, the change of climate, the quality of human life, and the threat to human security. Global warming has become a very difficult trend to reverse. It and rising temperatures have caused very serious consequences for human beings, brought great impact on the Earth’s organisms and seriously affected people’s lives, but people didn’t realize the seriousness of the problem. It is urgent to protect the environment and people should take active measures to deal with it.

What could be the best title for the passage?

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

Despite the wealth of information campaigns telling people about global warming and its causes, (24) ______ people have yet to realize how severe the problem is. Coming climate changes could alter as much as one third of plant and animal habitats by the end of the 22nd century. These changes could in turn cause widespread extinctions among plant and animal species around the globe.

Coastal and island habitats are perhaps in the greatest danger (25) ______ they face the combined threats of warming oceans and rising sea levels. As habitats change, many animals will come under intense pressure to find more suitable homes for themselves. Mass (26) ______ of at least some animals are certainly to be expected, but the fact remains that many animals will simply not be able to move fast enough.

Such dire predictions may sound alarmist, but they are based on the rather moderate estimate that the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will double by 2100. Many scientists believe, however,this figure is actually very conservative, and they claim (27) ______ a tripling is far more realistic. If they are (28)  ______, the effects on nature will be even more dramatic.

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

1. Megafires, which were once rare, are becoming more frequent. Over the past 40 years, the number of acres burned by wildfires in the United States has risen by 1,000 percent. Scientists believe that climate change is a key reason for this increase. Warmer and drier weather, along with earlier snowmelt, means that the dry season is now longer, leaving forests more vulnerable to fires.

2. In addition, past land management policies have also made the problem worse. For many years, the U.S. Forest Service focused on putting out all wildfires. However, people did not understand that some forests have evolved to burn. Occasional small fires remove undergrowth and allow new trees to grow, which helps keep the forests healthy.

3. During the 20th century, when forest rangers fought every fire, large amounts of dead wood built up in the forests. This created the perfect conditions for larger, hotter fires. When a fire starts in these areas, it is more likely to become a megafire. Unlike regular wildfires, megafires can permanently change the landscape. For example, the 2011 Las Conchas megafire in New Mexico turned some forested areas into grasslands.

4. Some areas, like Florida and Australia, have used controlled burns to reduce the damage caused by wildfires. These fires are set deliberately to burn away dead matter without harming living plants. However, the U.S. Forest Service currently spends much of its budget fighting megafires, which are becoming more common each year.

5. In an ironic feedback loop, megafires are not only fueled by climate change, they also contribute to it by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. As a result, megafires could become even more common in the decades ahead.

In which paragraph does the author mention the high cost of dealing with megafires?