Read the following passage about the CULTURAL DIVERSITY 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] Belgium features a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and contemporary legislation, showcasing the country’s rich history. [II]. In Belgium, the families of the bride and groom each pitch in by providing a sheet of paper for the wedding invitations, in line with a long-standing tradition. [III] The wedding invitations symbolize the new partnership and the merging of the two families. [IV]

In an old Belgian tradition meant to bring the two families closer together, the bride would pause halfway down the aisle to give her mother a solitary flower. They hold each other's arms. The newlyweds then make their way to the groom's mother-in-law during the recessional, where the bride presents her with a solitary flower as a token of her affection. As a sign of the bride's acceptance of her new mother, they embrace.

Carrying a uniquely embroidered handkerchief bearing the bride's name is one of the most significant and long-standing customs of the Belgian wedding. This handkerchief will be framed and displayed in a special spot after the wedding. Before each subsequent female member of the bride's family is married, the handkerchief is taken out of its frame, embroidered with the name of the new bride, and then passed down through the generations. A bridal handkerchief is a treasured memento that is passed down through the generations.

There are two big chairs placed near the altar where the bride and groom sit during the wedding mass, representing their throne as king and queen for the day and the location. As the ceremony comes to a close, the groom places the wedding ring on the third finger of the bride's left hand. Because it is a circle, the ring represents love that knows no bounds, and the third finger of the left hand represents love because it is thought to hold the vein that goes to the heart. Soon after the wedding, the newlyweds kiss for the first time as husband and wife. Because each partner takes a breath of their new spouse's spirit, the kiss is a metaphor for the couple's spiritual union.

Traditionally, as the bride and husband leave the church, the bridesmaids gather a handful of pennies and then scatter them among the less fortunate outside. The happy couple might increase their chances of financial success by donating to charity.

A honeymoon is for the newlyweds after the wedding. Honey wine, or mead, was traditionally drunk during the 28-day honeymoon, which corresponds to one lunar cycle, in ancient times. The purpose of this was to prevent the bride's relatives from attempting to reclaim their daughter from her husband.

 

According to paragraph 2, which of the things is TRUE as a factor that brings the two families closer together?

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.

EXPLORE CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Culture is the heart of every society, reflecting traditions, values, and creativity. By understanding different cultures, we enrich our perspectives and build connections with ___(7)___. Whether through art, language, or celebrations, culture ___(8)___ our identities and offers a window into the lives of others.

Why Embrace Cultural Diversity?

Celebrate Differences: Every culture has unique traditions, from festivals and dances to foods and clothing. ___(9)___ experiencing these, we gain a deeper appreciation of our global community.

Language as a Key: Learning even a few words in another language can open ___(10)___ to new friendships and understanding.

Art & Music: Cultural ___(11)___ in music, paintings, and performances are windows into a community's history and values.

Get Involved!

Attend local cultural festivals.

Try traditional cuisines fi om around the world.

___(12)___ art and films from different countries.

Celebrating culture brings us closer together.

Read the following passage about a multicultural world 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] In today’s interconnected world, multiculturalism has become increasingly prevalent as people from diverse cultural backgrounds live and work together in the same communities. [II] Multiculturalism fosters cultural diversity, promoting understanding and tolerance among individuals with different perspectives and traditions (Banks, 2015). [III] However, while multiculturalism brings many benefits, it also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed to achieve a harmonious society (Parekh, 2000). [IV]

One of the key benefits of multiculturalism is the enrichment of society through diverse perspectives. Different cultural backgrounds contribute unique ideas, art forms, and traditions, which can lead to a more vibrant and innovative community. For instance, diverse viewpoints in the workplace often drive creativity and lead to better problem-solving solutions. Additionally, exposure to various cultures can increase people's awareness and acceptance of others, thus reducing discrimination and promoting social cohesion.

However, a multicultural society is not without its challenges. Language barriers, for example, can hinder communication and understanding among individuals. Miscommunication due to language differences can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts. Furthermore, people may feel divided by their cultural identities, which can create a sense of "us versus them." Some argue that without efforts to bridge cultural differences, multiculturalism might unintentionally lead to social fragmentation (Modood, 2007).

To foster a successful multicultural society, it is essential to promote inclusive policies and encourage intercultural dialogue. Schools and workplaces can play a significant role by celebrating diversity and teaching cultural understanding. When people actively engage with different cultures, they are more likely to find common ground and develop mutual respect, which helps create a stronger, more unified community (Berry, 2011).

Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

Read the following passage about Our Festival Traditions 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.

Katê Festival

Cultural diversity is a vital aspect of any society, and festivals of ethnic groups play an essential role in preserving the cultural identity of a community. Embracing cultural values through festivals is an important way of staying connected with one community as well as its history and traditions, and a well-known Katê Festival of the Chăm people in Vietnam is an example to prove so.

The Katê Festival, also known as Mbăng Katê, is the biggest yearly festival for the Chăm people in Vietnam. It is a special time of year when they honour important figures in their history and the dead in their families. The Kate Festival takes place on the first day of the seventh month in the Chăm calendar, usually in September or October. It lasts for three days and takes place around three important ancient structures in Ninh Thuận Province: the Po Klaung Yăgrai Tower, the Po Romé Tower and the Po Inû Nagar Temple. All of these places are very important to Champa culture and history.

On the morning of the first day, Cham families take part in processions as they travel to the towers and temple, bringing gifts of fruit, meat and rice. In a special ceremony, the Cham people receive the costumes of the Goddess Po Nagar from the Raglai people, a cultural group with close connections to Champa culture. The Chăm carry the costumes to the temple to celebrate Po Nagar, then they open the gates. Inside the temple, they start bathing the statues of important figures and watching sacred dances. After those performances, people enjoy lively parties until the evening of the festival's second day.

On the last day, people make special offerings to their gods at community houses in their villages and pray for luck and good health for the coming year. Once this is over, there are traditional music performances, and then people do fun activities like playing football and participating in weaving competitions.

Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 1?

"Cultural diversity is a vital aspect of any society, and festivals of ethnic groups play an essential role in preserving the cultural identity of a community."

Read the following passage about the CULTURAL DIVERSITY 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] Belgium features a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and contemporary legislation, showcasing the country’s rich history. [II]. In Belgium, the families of the bride and groom each pitch in by providing a sheet of paper for the wedding invitations, in line with a long-standing tradition. [III] The wedding invitations symbolize the new partnership and the merging of the two families. [IV]

In an old Belgian tradition meant to bring the two families closer together, the bride would pause halfway down the aisle to give her mother a solitary flower. They hold each other's arms. The newlyweds then make their way to the groom's mother-in-law during the recessional, where the bride presents her with a solitary flower as a token of her affection. As a sign of the bride's acceptance of her new mother, they embrace.

Carrying a uniquely embroidered handkerchief bearing the bride's name is one of the most significant and long-standing customs of the Belgian wedding. This handkerchief will be framed and displayed in a special spot after the wedding. Before each subsequent female member of the bride's family is married, the handkerchief is taken out of its frame, embroidered with the name of the new bride, and then passed down through the generations. A bridal handkerchief is a treasured memento that is passed down through the generations.

There are two big chairs placed near the altar where the bride and groom sit during the wedding mass, representing their throne as king and queen for the day and the location. As the ceremony comes to a close, the groom places the wedding ring on the third finger of the bride's left hand. Because it is a circle, the ring represents love that knows no bounds, and the third finger of the left hand represents love because it is thought to hold the vein that goes to the heart. Soon after the wedding, the newlyweds kiss for the first time as husband and wife. Because each partner takes a breath of their new spouse's spirit, the kiss is a metaphor for the couple's spiritual union.

Traditionally, as the bride and husband leave the church, the bridesmaids gather a handful of pennies and then scatter them among the less fortunate outside. The happy couple might increase their chances of financial success by donating to charity.

A honeymoon is for the newlyweds after the wedding. Honey wine, or mead, was traditionally drunk during the 28-day honeymoon, which corresponds to one lunar cycle, in ancient times. The purpose of this was to prevent the bride's relatives from attempting to reclaim their daughter from her husband.

Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?

Marriages in Belgium can take place as either civil or religious ceremonies

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.

EXPLORE CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Culture is the heart of every society, reflecting traditions, values, and creativity. By understanding different cultures, we enrich our perspectives and build connections with (7) _____________. Whether through art, language, or celebrations, culture (8) ____________ our identities and offers a window into the lives of others.

Why Embrace Cultural Diversity?

Celebrate Differences: Every culture has unique traditions, from festivals and dances to foods and clothing.  (9) ____________ experiencing these, we gain a deeper appreciation of our global community.

Language as a Key: Learning even (10)________  words in another language can open doors to new friendships and understanding.

Art & Music: Cultural (11) ____________ in music, paintings, and performances are windows into a community's history and values.

Get Involved!

Attend local cultural festivals.

Try traditional cuisines from around the world.

(12) ____________ art and films from different countries.

Celebrating culture brings us closer together.

Read the following passage about Our Festival Traditions 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.

Katê Festival

Cultural diversity is a vital aspect of any society, and festivals of ethnic groups play an essential role in preserving the cultural identity of a community. Embracing cultural values through festivals is an important way of staying connected with one community as well as its history and traditions, and a well-known Katê Festival of the Chăm people in Vietnam is an example to prove so.

The Katê Festival, also known as Mbăng Katê, is the biggest yearly festival for the Chăm people in Vietnam. It is a special time of year when they honour important figures in their history and the dead in their families. The Kate Festival takes place on the first day of the seventh month in the Chăm calendar, usually in September or October. It lasts for three days and takes place around three important ancient structures in Ninh Thuận Province: the Po Klaung Yăgrai Tower, the Po Romé Tower and the Po Inû Nagar Temple. All of these places are very important to Champa culture and history.

On the morning of the first day, Cham families take part in processions as they travel to the towers and temple, bringing gifts of fruit, meat and rice. In a special ceremony, the Cham people receive the costumes of the Goddess Po Nagar from the Raglai people, a cultural group with close connections to Champa culture. The Chăm carry the costumes to the temple to celebrate Po Nagar, then they open the gates. Inside the temple, they start bathing the statues of important figures and watching sacred dances. After those performances, people enjoy lively parties until the evening of the festival's second day.

On the last day, people make special offerings to their gods at community houses in their villages and pray for luck and good health for the coming year. Once this is over, there are traditional music performances, and then people do fun activities like playing football and participating in weaving competitions.

The word “they” in paragraph 2 refers 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.

EXPLORE CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Culture is the heart of every society, reflecting traditions, values, and creativity. By understanding different cultures, we enrich our perspectives and build connections with (7) _____________. Whether through art, language, or celebrations, culture (8) ____________ our identities and offers a window into the lives of others.

Why Embrace Cultural Diversity?

Celebrate Differences: Every culture has unique traditions, from festivals and dances to foods and clothing.  (9) ____________ experiencing these, we gain a deeper appreciation of our global community.

Language as a Key: Learning even (10)________  words in another language can open doors to new friendships and understanding.

Art & Music: Cultural (11) ____________ in music, paintings, and performances are windows into a community's history and values.

Get Involved!

Attend local cultural festivals.

Try traditional cuisines from around the world.

(12) ____________ art and films from different countries.

Celebrating culture brings us closer together.

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.

EXPLORE CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Culture is the heart of every society, reflecting traditions, values, and creativity. By understanding different cultures, we enrich our perspectives and build connections with ___(7)___. Whether through art, language, or celebrations, culture ___(8)___ our identities and offers a window into the lives of others.

Why Embrace Cultural Diversity?

Celebrate Differences: Every culture has unique traditions, from festivals and dances to foods and clothing. ___(9)___ experiencing these, we gain a deeper appreciation of our global community.

Language as a Key: Learning even a few words in another language can open ___(10)___ to new friendships and understanding.

Art & Music: Cultural ___(11)___ in music, paintings, and performances are windows into a community's history and values.

Get Involved!

Attend local cultural festivals.

Try traditional cuisines fi om around the world.

___(12)___ art and films from different countries.

Celebrating culture brings us closer together.

Read the following passage about endangered languages 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.

There are around 7,000 languages in the world today. However, most people speak the largest languages: Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi, Russian, Arabic, and others. So what about the smaller languages? According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, around one-third of the world's languages now have fewer than 1,000 speakers. We may soon lose those languages completely. In fact, 230 languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010.

Unfortunately, when we lose a language, we also lose its culture and knowledge. That's because people in different places have different ways of living and thinking. One example of this is the Tuvan language of southern Siberia. Tuvan people depend on animals for food and other basic needs. Their language shows this close connection between people and animals. The Tuvan word ezenggileer, for example, means "to sing with the rhythms of riding a horse." And the word ak byzaa is "a white calf less than one year old."

In some places, people are working to save traditional languages. Many schools in New Zealand now teach the Maori language. This helps connect native New Zealanders to their Maori culture. And Welsh is spoken by around 500,000 people in Wales. The Welsh government is working to increase that number to one million by 2050.

Technology offers a possible alternative to saving endangered languages. National Geographic's Enduring Voices project has created "Talking Dictionaries" - the recorded voices of people communicating with each other. All of them are fluent speakers of endangered languages. And because these dictionaries are accessible to anyone on the Internet, people now and in the future can learn some of the vocabulary, greetings, and grammar rules of past languages.

(Adapted from Explore New Worlds)

Question 24: The word extinct in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ________.

Read the following passage about a multicultural world 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] In today’s interconnected world, multiculturalism has become increasingly prevalent as people from diverse cultural backgrounds live and work together in the same communities. [II] Multiculturalism fosters cultural diversity, promoting understanding and tolerance among individuals with different perspectives and traditions (Banks, 2015). [III] However, while multiculturalism brings many benefits, it also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed to achieve a harmonious society (Parekh, 2000). [IV]

One of the key benefits of multiculturalism is the enrichment of society through diverse perspectives. Different cultural backgrounds contribute unique ideas, art forms, and traditions, which can lead to a more vibrant and innovative community. For instance, diverse viewpoints in the workplace often drive creativity and lead to better problem-solving solutions. Additionally, exposure to various cultures can increase people's awareness and acceptance of others, thus reducing discrimination and promoting social cohesion.

However, a multicultural society is not without its challenges. Language barriers, for example, can hinder communication and understanding among individuals. Miscommunication due to language differences can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts. Furthermore, people may feel divided by their cultural identities, which can create a sense of "us versus them." Some argue that without efforts to bridge cultural differences, multiculturalism might unintentionally lead to social fragmentation (Modood, 2007).

To foster a successful multicultural society, it is essential to promote inclusive policies and encourage intercultural dialogue. Schools and workplaces can play a significant role by celebrating diversity and teaching cultural understanding. When people actively engage with different cultures, they are more likely to find common ground and develop mutual respect, which helps create a stronger, more unified community (Berry, 2011).

The word "they" in paragraph 4 refers to ____.

Read the following passage about cultural diversity 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.

Cultural diversity refers to the presence of multiple cultural groups and their practices within a society. It encompasses various aspects such as language, traditions, beliefs, and values. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious society, where individuals appreciate and respect differences. This diversity enriches communities by introducing new perspectives, fostering creativity, and promoting mutual understanding.

One significant benefit of cultural diversity is the exchange of ideas and knowledge. When people from different cultural backgrounds interact, they share their unique experiences and insights. This exchange can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in various fields such as science, art, and business. Moreover, cultural diversity can enhance social cohesion by encouraging people to work together and learn from one another.

Education plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity. Schools and universities can create inclusive environments by incorporating diverse perspectives into their curricula and encouraging students to engage with different cultures. By doing so, educational institutions help students develop a global mindset and prepare them for a multicultural world. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures at a young age can reduce prejudices and promote tolerance.

In the workplace, cultural diversity can boost productivity and creativity. Diverse teams bring together individuals with different skills, viewpoints, and problem-solving approaches. This variety can enhance decision-making processes and lead to more effective and innovative solutions. Companies that prioritize cultural diversity also tend to have a more positive work environment and higher employee satisfaction.

Despite its benefits, cultural diversity also presents challenges. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote open communication and cultural competence. By fostering an inclusive culture, societies and organizations can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity while minimizing potential conflicts.

Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

Read the following passage about cultural diversity 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.

Cultural diversity refers to the presence of multiple cultural groups and their practices within a society. It encompasses various aspects such as language, traditions, beliefs, and values. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious society, where individuals appreciate and respect differences. This diversity enriches communities by introducing new perspectives, fostering creativity, and promoting mutual understanding.

One significant benefit of cultural diversity is the exchange of ideas and knowledge. When people from different cultural backgrounds interact, they share their unique experiences and insights. This exchange can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in various fields such as science, art, and business. Moreover, cultural diversity can enhance social cohesion by encouraging people to work together and learn from one another.

Education plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity. Schools and universities can create inclusive environments by incorporating diverse perspectives into their curricula and encouraging students to engage with different cultures. By doing so, educational institutions help students develop a global mindset and prepare them for a multicultural world. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures at a young age can reduce prejudices and promote tolerance.

In the workplace, cultural diversity can boost productivity and creativity. Diverse teams bring together individuals with different skills, viewpoints, and problem-solving approaches. This variety can enhance decision-making processes and lead to more effective and innovative solutions. Companies that prioritize cultural diversity also tend to have a more positive work environment and higher employee satisfaction.

Despite its benefits, cultural diversity also presents challenges. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote open communication and cultural competence. By fostering an inclusive culture, societies and organizations can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity while minimizing potential conflicts.

The word "encompasses" in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to:

Read the following passage about endangered languages 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.

There are around 7,000 languages in the world today. However, most people speak the largest languages: Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi, Russian, Arabic, and others. So what about the smaller languages? According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, around one-third of the world's languages now have fewer than 1,000 speakers. We may soon lose those languages completely. In fact, 230 languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010.

Unfortunately, when we lose a language, we also lose its culture and knowledge. That's because people in different places have different ways of living and thinking. One example of this is the Tuvan language of southern Siberia. Tuvan people depend on animals for food and other basic needs. Their language shows this close connection between people and animals. The Tuvan word ezenggileer, for example, means "to sing with the rhythms of riding a horse." And the word ak byzaa is "a white calf less than one year old."

In some places, people are working to save traditional languages. Many schools in New Zealand now teach the Maori language. This helps connect native New Zealanders to their Maori culture. And Welsh is spoken by around 500,000 people in Wales. The Welsh government is working to increase that number to one million by 2050.

Technology offers a possible alternative to saving endangered languages. National Geographic's Enduring Voices project has created "Talking Dictionaries" - the recorded voices of people communicating with each other. All of them are fluent speakers of endangered languages. And because these dictionaries are accessible to anyone on the Internet, people now and in the future can learn some of the vocabulary, greetings, and grammar rules of past languages.

(Adapted from Explore New Worlds)

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer explore modern methods for maintaining endangered languages?

Read the following passage about cultural diversity 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.

Cultural diversity refers to the presence of multiple cultural groups and their practices within a society. It encompasses various aspects such as language, traditions, beliefs, and values. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious society, where individuals appreciate and respect differences. This diversity enriches communities by introducing new perspectives, fostering creativity, and promoting mutual understanding. 

One significant benefit of cultural diversity is the exchange of ideas and knowledge. When people from different cultural backgrounds interact, they share their unique experiences and insights. This exchange can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in various fields such as science, art, and business. Moreover, cultural diversity can enhance social cohesion by encouraging people to work together and learn from one another.

Education plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity. Schools and universities can create inclusive environments by incorporating diverse perspectives into their curricula and encouraging students to engage with different cultures. By doing so, educational institutions help students develop a global mindset and prepare them for a multicultural world. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures at a young age can reduce prejudices and promote tolerance.

In the workplace, cultural diversity can boost productivity and creativity. Diverse teams bring together individuals with different skills, viewpoints, and problem-solving approaches. This variety can enhance decision-making processes and lead to more effective and innovative solutions. Companies that prioritize cultural diversity also tend to have a more positive work environment and higher employee satisfaction.

Despite its benefits, cultural diversity also presents challenges. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote open communication and cultural competence. By fostering an inclusive culture, societies and organizations can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity while minimizing potential conflicts.

Which of the following is TRUE according to 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.

EXPLORE CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Culture is the heart of every society, reflecting traditions, values, and creativity. By understanding different cultures, we enrich our perspectives and build connections with (7) _____________. Whether through art, language, or celebrations, culture (8) ____________ our identities and offers a window into the lives of others.

Why Embrace Cultural Diversity?

Celebrate Differences: Every culture has unique traditions, from festivals and dances to foods and clothing.  (9) ____________ experiencing these, we gain a deeper appreciation of our global community.

Language as a Key: Learning even (10)________  words in another language can open doors to new friendships and understanding.

Art & Music: Cultural (11) ____________ in music, paintings, and performances are windows into a community's history and values.

Get Involved!

Attend local cultural festivals.

Try traditional cuisines from around the world.

(12) ____________ art and films from different countries.

Celebrating culture brings us closer together.

Read the following passage about the CULTURAL DIVERSITY 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] Belgium features a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and contemporary legislation, showcasing the country’s rich history. [II]. In Belgium, the families of the bride and groom each pitch in by providing a sheet of paper for the wedding invitations, in line with a long-standing tradition. [III] The wedding invitations symbolize the new partnership and the merging of the two families. [IV]

In an old Belgian tradition meant to bring the two families closer together, the bride would pause halfway down the aisle to give her mother a solitary flower. They hold each other's arms. The newlyweds then make their way to the groom's mother-in-law during the recessional, where the bride presents her with a solitary flower as a token of her affection. As a sign of the bride's acceptance of her new mother, they embrace.

Carrying a uniquely embroidered handkerchief bearing the bride's name is one of the most significant and long-standing customs of the Belgian wedding. This handkerchief will be framed and displayed in a special spot after the wedding. Before each subsequent female member of the bride's family is married, the handkerchief is taken out of its frame, embroidered with the name of the new bride, and then passed down through the generations. A bridal handkerchief is a treasured memento that is passed down through the generations.

There are two big chairs placed near the altar where the bride and groom sit during the wedding mass, representing their throne as king and queen for the day and the location. As the ceremony comes to a close, the groom places the wedding ring on the third finger of the bride's left hand. Because it is a circle, the ring represents love that knows no bounds, and the third finger of the left hand represents love because it is thought to hold the vein that goes to the heart. Soon after the wedding, the newlyweds kiss for the first time as husband and wife. Because each partner takes a breath of their new spouse's spirit, the kiss is a metaphor for the couple's spiritual union.

Traditionally, as the bride and husband leave the church, the bridesmaids gather a handful of pennies and then scatter them among the less fortunate outside. The happy couple might increase their chances of financial success by donating to charity.

A honeymoon is for the newlyweds after the wedding. Honey wine, or mead, was traditionally drunk during the 28-day honeymoon, which corresponds to one lunar cycle, in ancient times. The purpose of this was to prevent the bride's relatives from attempting to reclaim their daughter from her husband.

According to the paragraph, what is TRUE about the wedding ring?

Read the following passage about cultural diversity 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.

Cultural diversity refers to the presence of multiple cultural groups and their practices within a society. It encompasses various aspects such as language, traditions, beliefs, and values. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious society, where individuals appreciate and respect differences. This diversity enriches communities by introducing new perspectives, fostering creativity, and promoting mutual understanding.

One significant benefit of cultural diversity is the exchange of ideas and knowledge. When people from different cultural backgrounds interact, they share their unique experiences and insights. This exchange can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in various fields such as science, art, and business. Moreover, cultural diversity can enhance social cohesion by encouraging people to work together and learn from one another.

Education plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity. Schools and universities can create inclusive environments by incorporating diverse perspectives into their curricula and encouraging students to engage with different cultures. By doing so, educational institutions help students develop a global mindset and prepare them for a multicultural world. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures at a young age can reduce prejudices and promote tolerance.

In the workplace, cultural diversity can boost productivity and creativity. Diverse teams bring together individuals with different skills, viewpoints, and problem-solving approaches. This variety can enhance decision-making processes and lead to more effective and innovative solutions. Companies that prioritize cultural diversity also tend to have a more positive work environment and higher employee satisfaction.

Despite its benefits, cultural diversity also presents challenges. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote open communication and cultural competence. By fostering an inclusive culture, societies and organizations can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity while minimizing potential conflicts.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an aspect of cultural diversity?

Read the following passage about cultural diversity 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.

Cultural diversity refers to the presence of multiple cultural groups and their practices within a society. It encompasses various aspects such as language, traditions, beliefs, and values. Embracing cultural diversity can lead to a more inclusive and harmonious society, where individuals appreciate and respect differences. This diversity enriches communities by introducing new perspectives, fostering creativity, and promoting mutual understanding. 

One significant benefit of cultural diversity is the exchange of ideas and knowledge. When people from different cultural backgrounds interact, they share their unique experiences and insights. This exchange can lead to innovative solutions and improvements in various fields such as science, art, and business. Moreover, cultural diversity can enhance social cohesion by encouraging people to work together and learn from one another.

Education plays a crucial role in promoting cultural diversity. Schools and universities can create inclusive environments by incorporating diverse perspectives into their curricula and encouraging students to engage with different cultures. By doing so, educational institutions help students develop a global mindset and prepare them for a multicultural world. Additionally, exposure to diverse cultures at a young age can reduce prejudices and promote tolerance.

In the workplace, cultural diversity can boost productivity and creativity. Diverse teams bring together individuals with different skills, viewpoints, and problem-solving approaches. This variety can enhance decision-making processes and lead to more effective and innovative solutions. Companies that prioritize cultural diversity also tend to have a more positive work environment and higher employee satisfaction.

Despite its benefits, cultural diversity also presents challenges. Misunderstandings and conflicts can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds interact. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote open communication and cultural competence. By fostering an inclusive culture, societies and organizations can maximize the benefits of cultural diversity while minimizing potential conflicts.

The word "enhance" in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to: 

Read the following passage about endangered languages 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.

There are around 7,000 languages in the world today. However, most people speak the largest languages: Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi, Russian, Arabic, and others. So what about the smaller languages? According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger, around one-third of the world's languages now have fewer than 1,000 speakers. We may soon lose those languages completely. In fact, 230 languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010.

Unfortunately, when we lose a language, we also lose its culture and knowledge. That's because people in different places have different ways of living and thinking. One example of this is the Tuvan language of southern Siberia. Tuvan people depend on animals for food and other basic needs. Their language shows this close connection between people and animals. The Tuvan word ezenggileer, for example, means "to sing with the rhythms of riding a horse." And the word ak byzaa is "a white calf less than one year old."

In some places, people are working to save traditional languages. Many schools in New Zealand now teach the Maori language. This helps connect native New Zealanders to their Maori culture. And Welsh is spoken by around 500,000 people in Wales. The Welsh government is working to increase that number to one million by 2050.

Technology offers a possible alternative to saving endangered languages. National Geographic's Enduring Voices project has created "Talking Dictionaries" - the recorded voices of people communicating with each other. All of them are fluent speakers of endangered languages. And because these dictionaries are accessible to anyone on the Internet, people now and in the future can learn some of the vocabulary, greetings, and grammar rules of past languages.

(Adapted from Explore New Worlds)

Question 26: The word accessible in paragraph 4 could be best replaced by ________.

Read the following passage about lifelong learning 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] In today’s interconnected world, multiculturalism has become increasingly prevalent as people from diverse cultural backgrounds live and work together in the same communities. [II] Multiculturalism fosters cultural diversity, promoting understanding and tolerance among individuals with different perspectives and traditions. [III] However, while multiculturalism brings many benefits, it also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed to achieve a harmonious society. [IV]

One of the key benefits of multiculturalism is the enrichment of society through diverse perspectives. Different cultural backgrounds contribute unique ideas, art forms, and traditions, which can lead to a more vibrant and innovative community. For instance, diverse viewpoints in the workplace often drive creativity and lead to better problem-solving solutions. Additionally, exposure to various cultures can increase people's awareness and acceptance of others, thus reducing discrimination and promoting social cohesion.

However, a multicultural society is not without its challenges. Language barriers, for example, can hinder communication and understanding among individuals. Miscommunication due to language differences can lead to misunderstandings or even conflicts. Furthermore, people may feel divided by their cultural identities, which can create a sense of "us versus them." Some argue that without efforts to bridge cultural differences, multiculturalism might unintentionally lead to social fragmentation .

To foster a successful multicultural society, it is essential to promote inclusive policies and encourage intercultural dialogue. Schools and workplaces can play a significant role by celebrating diversity and teaching cultural understanding. When people actively engage with different cultures, they are more likely to find common ground and develop mutual respect, which helps create a stronger, more unified community. This shared understanding can lead to greater cooperation and help build a society where everyone feels accepted and valued.

The word "they" in paragraph 4 refers to ____.