Read the following passage 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.

Robots are useful for exploring and working in space. In particular, many robots have been sent to explore Mars. Such robots have usually looked like a box with wheels. Though these robots are useful, by their very nature they are unreliable, extremely expensive, and they break easily. Also, they cannot do very many tasks. Because of these problems, scientists have been developing a new and unusual kind of robot. These new robots move like snakes, so they have been given the name “snakebots.”

But how can such a robot shape be made? A snakebot is built like a chain made of about thirty parts, or modules. Each module is basically the same in that they all have a small computer and a wheel to aid movement. The large computer in the “head” of the snake makes all of the modules in a snakebot work together. The modular design of the snakebot has many advantages. If one module fails, another can be added easily. Snakebot modules can also carry different kinds of tools, as well as cameras. Since each module is actually a robot in itself, one module can work apart from the rest if necessary. That is, all the modules can separate and move on their own, and then later, reconnect back into a larger robot.

Overall, the snakebot design is much simpler than that of common robots. Thus, snakebots will be much less expensive to build. For example, a robot recently sent to Mars cost over a hundred million dollars, whereas snakebots can cost as little as a few hundred dollars.

With their versatility and affordability, snakebots seem to be the wave of the future, at least as far as space robots are concerned.

 

The word "they" in paragraph 2 refers to: 

Read the following passage about smart energy 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.

SMART ENERGY

The upcoming decades will bring significant changes in energy supply and consumption. As some major oil-producing countries have already reached 'peak oil' and concerns about global warming rise, many nations are prioritizing the transition to a low-carbon economy, which will transform electricity supply and usage. [I] Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. [II] Secondly, there will be an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources. [III] To meet these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. [IV] This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power network.

Smart meters can be integrated with the internet or telephone networks. This connectivity enables customers to control their appliances from a distance. For instance, individuals can turn devices on or off remotely, providing added convenience. Overall, the system offers significant benefits in managing energy usage. By analyzing real-time data, it allows for better decision-making. This technology not only improves efficiency but also supports cost savings. Ultimately, the integration of smart technology will enhance user experience and system management.

The coming decades will bring significant shifts in energy supply and usage. A problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.

Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway. Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity use. There are also a number of demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast.

Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 4?

Read the following advertisement 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 1 to 6.

Experience the Future at the Robot Exhibition!

Get ready to immerse ___(1)___ the fascinating world of robotics! This extraordinary exhibition, ___(2)___, stunning designs, and interactive displays, is perfect for all ages. Explore various robots, ___(3)___ amazing capabilities, from performing delicate tasks to engaging in lively conversations. Busy ___(4)___ the innovations shaping our future, you’ll be captivated by the endless possibilities of automation. Don’t miss your chance to ___(5)___ a ticket to the exhibition and witness the latest advancements in robotics firsthand. Join us for an ___(6)___ experience that will inspire and educate. Get your tickets today and step into tomorrow!

Read the passage and decide whether the following statements are True (T), False (F) or Not given (NG).

EDUCATION IN THE FUTURE

Education is another area of social life in which information technology is changing the way we communicate. Today's college students may not simply sit in a lecture or a library to learn about their field. Through their computers and the wonders of virtual reality they can participate in lifelike simulated experiences. Consider the following scenario of the future of education made possible through developments in information technology. For children over the age of 10, daily attendance at schools is not compulsory. Some of the older children attend school only once or twice weekly to get tutorial support or instruction from a teacher. For the most part, pupils are encouraged to work online from home. Students must complete a minimum number of study hours per year; however, they may make up these hours by studying at home at times that suit their family schedule. They can log on early or late in the day and even join live classes in other countries. In order to ensure that each student is learning adequately, computer software will automatically monitor the number of hours a week each student studies on-line as well as that students' learning materials and assessment activities. Reports will be available for parents and teachers. The software can then identify the best learning activities and condition for each individual student and generate similar activities. It can also identify areas of weak achievement and produce special programs adjusted to the students' needs.

College students today only study in libraries or traditional classrooms. 

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.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SPORT

The first sports game was televised in the USA over fifty years ago. In the following decades, television provided coaches with a wealth of information to analyse. By viewing recordings,(18)______. Moreover, coaching staff could detect factors related to team or athlete performance. In fact,  most of this data consisted of bare statistics without meaningful context.(19)______.

AI involves developing computer systems capable of tasks linked to human intelligence, such as decision making. AI can analyse not only a player's actions but also their relation to the coach's directives and other players' actions. Sports scientists believe AI is revolutionizing coaching by identifying patterns of behavior in ways previously impossible.

There may be limitless ways (20)______, but practical applications are emerging. A recent experiment in the Spanish football league used AI to analyse the passing strategies of 20 teams. The research revealed that Barcelona and Real Madrid (21)______. However, the algorithm detected just 31 passing patterns by Atlético Madrid. All other plays were unique, and the team won the league that season. One conclusion is that teams with a less predictable style of play are harder to counter. (22)______. Furthermore, Dr. Johann Muller, a sports scientist, observed that teams prioritizing offence suffer more injuries.

Read thefollowing passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that bestfits each of the numbered blanksfrom 18 to 22. 

 In today’s digital world, (18) ______ . There are many tools, which have been created to protect people’s data from online threats. One of the most popular tools is encryption, (19) ______. When encryption is used, even if someone tries to steal the information, they cannot read it without the correct key.

Another important security tool is called multi-factor authentication (MFA). In this process, more than one way of verifying identity is needed to log in. For example, (20) ______. This makes it harder for hackers to access accounts. Biometric technology, (21) ______, is also used to keep information secure. This technology relies on personal features that are unique and hard to copy

A virtual private network (VPN) is another tool that is commonly used. When a VPN is turned on, a person’s online activity is hidden, and their data is kept private. With these technologies, people are given better control over their security, (22) ______.  

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.

Autonomous vehicles, which were once the stuff of science fiction, are now becoming a reality. Tesla, for instance, (18) ______. A month later, the company showcased   its fully self-driving car in California and has continued to expand its fleet ever since. At one of these events, Tesla's vehicle received a safety award from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2020, further validating   its technology. During a presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2021, Tesla highlighted its commitment to safety and innovation.

The Tesla Model S is one of the most advanced electric vehicles (19) ______. Clearly, Tesla and other manufacturers are at the forefront   of transforming the automotive   industry. (20) ______. The vehicles are equipped with various sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms.

(21) ______. These technologies enable the cars to navigate complex environments, such as city streets and highways, with minimal human intervention. This is a significant leap toward a future where autonomous driving becomes the norm.

Thanks to continuous advancements in technology, (22) ______. Consumers can look forward to safer and more efficient transportation solutions.

Read the following passage about online learning 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.

           Virtual assistants, AI-powered software applications, (18) ________. These tools experienced significant growth and gained widespread popularity in 2020. Designed to understand spoken or typed language, they represent (19) ________. Unlike basic software programs, virtual assistants can interact naturally with users, making them useful across various fields, from customer support to productivity enhancement.

           Powered by natural language processing (NLP), (20) ________. They analyze and interpret user inputs to provide relevant responses or perform tasks, learning and adapting based on user behavior over time. Thus, virtual assistants (21) ________ and continuously enhance the accuracy of their responses, are becoming increasingly significant on a global scale. Despite their benefits, these systems also have limitations, particularly in their responses to complex queries or emotionally sensitive topics, as they lack true human understanding.

           Recognizing these limitations, (22) ________. Many developers are focused on refining AI interactions to be more accurate and ethically sounD. As technology progresses, the integration of AI tools into human workflows is expected to become increasingly seamless. Virtual assistants may soon become even more integral to daily life, assisting with a broader range of personal and professional needs.

Read the following passage about humanoid robots 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.

          ChatGPT, a powerful language model developed by OpenAI, (18) ______. It was first introduced in 2020, (19) ______. Unlike traditional chatbots, which often provide limited and scripted responses, ChatGPT can generate detailed, coherent, and context-aware replies. This ability has made it useful for a range of applications, from customer service to creative writing assistance.

          Employing advanced natural language processing (NLP) capabilities, (20) ______. It processes user inputs by predicting what comes next in a sequence of words, allowing it to create sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also meaningful.

          However, despite its impressive capabilities, ChatGPT also has its limitations. It can sometimes generate responses that are factually incorrect or biased, as it relies on the data it was trained on. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and security, especially when sensitive information is shared during interactions. (21) ______.

          Overall, ChatGPT represents a significant step forward in the field of artificial intelligence. It has changed the way people think about AI communication, offering new ways to assist, educate, and entertain. (22) ______. ChatGPT is just the beginning of what could be a future where AI plays an even more integral role in our daily lives.

Read thefollowing passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that bestfits each of the numbered blanksfrom 18 to 22. 

 In today’s digital world, (18) ______ . There are many tools, which have been created to protect people’s data from online threats. One of the most popular tools is encryption, (19) ______. When encryption is used, even if someone tries to steal the information, they cannot read it without the correct key.

Another important security tool is called multi-factor authentication (MFA). In this process, more than one way of verifying identity is needed to log in. For example, (20) ______. This makes it harder for hackers to access accounts. Biometric technology, (21) ______, is also used to keep information secure. This technology relies on personal features that are unique and hard to copy

A virtual private network (VPN) is another tool that is commonly used. When a VPN is turned on, a person’s online activity is hidden, and their data is kept private. With these technologies, people are given better control over their security, (22) ______.  

Read the following passage 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 28 to 32.

[I] Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to improve your engagement in non-STEM subjects (Literature, Art, Education, and Humanities). [II] For instance, AI-powered language learning platforms like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone use natural language processing and machine instructions to provide personalised learning experiences. [III] This can help you learn at your own pace and in your own way, thereby, increasing engagement and motivation. [IV]

AI-powered writing and grammar tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway can provide instant feedback and suggestions for alternative phrasing and word choices. By analysing your grammar, vocabulary, and style, these tools can take your writing skills to the next level and help you communicate better.

Similarly, you can play AI-powered educational games in history and social studies classes. Games like Civilization and Age of Empires use AI to create realistic historical simulations that can help you understand historical events and concepts more enjoyably and interactively.

In music and art, there are creative tools such as Amper Music and Dream. These tools use AI to create original music and art based on users’ input. This can provide you with fun and imaginative ways to study these subjects.

AI tools and platforms can be accessible to all students regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status. If you do not have access to traditional educational resources, you can use your mobile devices to access them free of charge.

Overall, AI can stimulate your interest in non-STEM subjects by providing personalised instructions, creating various learning experiences, and offering real-time feedback and support. As AI technology continues to evolve, you can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI in non-STEM education.

(Adapted from English Workbook 12 – Global Success)

The word them in paragraph 5 refers to .

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

a. For instance, wearable devices now allow patients to monitor their health in real-time, providing critical insights to doctors.

b. Medical advancements are not limited to hospitals or labs—they are making their way into our daily lives.

c. These devices help prevent diseases by identifying symptoms early and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

d. However, their integration into healthcare raises questions about affordability and accessibility for underprivileged populations.

e. In conclusion, while challenges remain, these innovations have brought healthcare closer to people, empowering them to take charge of their health.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that bestfits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22. 

The development of humanoid robots has captured the imagination of many. Apollo, a highly advanced robot designed for social interaction, (18)____________. Apollo made her first public appearance in 2020, showcasing her ability to converse and express emotions. Since then, (19)____________.

Apollo was developed by a team of engineers and psychologists (20)____________. This collaboration aimed to create a robot that could effectively understand and respond to human emotions, making her a unique presence in the field of artificial intelligence. Apollo's design is sleek and modern, designed to be visually appealing while functional. His facial expressions and gestures are crafted to resemble those of a human, enhancing her ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

Equipped with advanced speech recognition technology, (21)____________. This allows him to engage in meaningful conversations and adapt her responses based on the emotional tone of the discussion.

As humanoid robots like Apollo become more integrated into society, (22) ____________. They hold the potential to transform the way we interact with technology and each other.

Read the following advertisement 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 1 to 6.

Announcement: Grand Opening of Our High-Tech Center

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new High-Tech Center, a state-of-the-art facility (1) ______ to revolutionize the way we integrate technology into daily life.

The center features cutting-edge advancements, including a (2) ______that ensures security and enhances user convenience. Visitors who would like to see our (3) ______ technology in action are warmly invited to join us for this special event.

The highlight of the center is its ability to (4) ______our demand for efficiency and innovation in various fields. Amazingly, the center intends to replace most of its workers (5) ______ robots, which makes operations faster, smarter, and more cost-effective.

We encourage you to capture this memorable occasion. Don’t forget to get someone (6)_______a picture of us during the ribbon-cutting ceremony!

Read the following passage 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 28 to 32.

[I] Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to improve your engagement in non-STEM subjects (Literature, Art, Education, and Humanities). [II] For instance, AI-powered language learning platforms like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone use natural language processing and machine instructions to provide personalised learning experiences. [III] This can help you learn at your own pace and in your own way, thereby, increasing engagement and motivation. [IV]

AI-powered writing and grammar tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway can provide instant feedback and suggestions for alternative phrasing and word choices. By analysing your grammar, vocabulary, and style, these tools can take your writing skills to the next level and help you communicate better.

Similarly, you can play AI-powered educational games in history and social studies classes. Games like Civilization and Age of Empires use AI to create realistic historical simulations that can help you understand historical events and concepts more enjoyably and interactively.

In music and art, there are creative tools such as Amper Music and Dream. These tools use AI to create original music and art based on users’ input. This can provide you with fun and imaginative ways to study these subjects.

AI tools and platforms can be accessible to all students regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status. If you do not have access to traditional educational resources, you can use your mobile devices to access them free of charge.

Overall, AI can stimulate your interest in non-STEM subjects by providing personalised instructions, creating various learning experiences, and offering real-time feedback and support. As AI technology continues to evolve, you can expect to see even more innovative uses of AI in non-STEM education.

(Adapted from English Workbook 12 – Global Success)

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the subjects that can be supported by AI?

Read the following passage about smart energy 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.

SMART ENERGY

The upcoming decades will bring significant changes in energy supply and consumption. As some major oil-producing countries have already reached 'peak oil' and concerns about global warming rise, many nations are prioritizing the transition to a low-carbon economy, which will transform electricity supply and usage. [I] Firstly, there will be an increase in overall demand, as consumers switch from oil and gas to electricity to power their homes and vehicles. [II] Secondly, there will be an increase in power generation, not only in terms of how much is generated, but also how it is generated, as there is growing electricity generation from renewable sources. [III] To meet these challenges, countries are investing in Smart Grid technology. [IV] This system aims to provide the electricity industry with a better understanding of power generation and demand, and to use this information to create a more efficient power network.

Smart meters can be integrated with the internet or telephone networks. This connectivity enables customers to control their appliances from a distance. For instance, individuals can turn devices on or off remotely, providing added convenience. Overall, the system offers significant benefits in managing energy usage. By analyzing real-time data, it allows for better decision-making. This technology not only improves efficiency but also supports cost savings. Ultimately, the integration of smart technology will enhance user experience and system management.

The coming decades will bring significant shifts in energy supply and usage. A problem is the fact that many renewable power generation sources are located in remote areas, such as windy uplands and coastal regions, where there is currently a lack of electrical infrastructure. New infrastructures therefore must be built. Thankfully, with improved smart technology, this can be done more efficiently by reducing the reinforcement or construction costs.

Although Smart Technology is still in its infancy, pilot schemes to promote and test it are already underway. Consumers are currently testing the new smart meters which can be used in their homes to manage electricity use. There are also a number of demonstrations being planned to show how the smart technology could practically work, and trials are in place to test the new electrical infrastructure. It is here where Smart Technology is likely to be promoted first, utilising a range of sustainable power sources, transport solutions and an infrastructure for charging electrically powered vehicles. The infrastructure is already changing fast.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of Smart Grid technology to consumers?

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.

Coming from the Czech word 'robota',(18)______. In 1949, the British inventor William Grey Walter introduced the first machine (19)______. Ten years later, the first industrial robotic arm was installed at a General Motors plant in the US. Such robots are mostly used in car and computer industries.

The first robot to use Artificial Intelligence was known as Shakey. (20)______. Shakey could observe its surroundings, create a plan, and find its way across a room or push a box along the floor. Twenty years later, a walking robot called Dante, which was capable of climbing steep slopes, (21)______. The late 1990s marked a milestone in the history of robots when Kismet, a robotic head designed to provoke and react to emotions, was created.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, more robots have been created to improve our life. The first self-driving car was launched on 8 October 2005 when a Volkswagen Touareg named "Stanley' won a racing competition across the desert. In 2012, the AI expert Geoffrey Hinton and his team created the first accurate visual recognition system.

(22) ______. She can imitate human gestures and facial expressions and is able to answer certain questions and to make simple conversations.

Complete each sentence using the correct form of the word in brackets.

The organisation had all the staff (attend) ______________________ a seminar on AI applications.

Read the following passage about endangered languages and mark the letter A, B, Cor D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Ada Lovelace, born in London in 1815, is widely recognized as the world's first computer programmer. Despite the limited opportunities for women in science and mathematics during her time, Lovelace's intelligence and passion for math set her apart. Her mother, Anne Isabella Milbanke, encouraged her mathematical studies from a young age, in contrast to her father, the famous poet Lord Byron.

Lovelace's most significant contribution came from her collaboration with Charles Babbage, the inventor of an early mechanical computer called the Analytical Engine. In 1843, she translated an article about the machine written by an Italian engineer.

However, it was her own detailed notes added to the translation that made history. These notes, which were longer than the original article, included what is now considered the first algorithm designed to be executed by a machine. This made Lovelace the first person to recognize that computers could follow instructions to perform tasks beyond simple calculations.

What truly set Lovelace apart was her visionary thinking. While Babbage saw the Analytical Engine as a tool for calculations, Lovelace believed it could be used for much more. She imagined that computers could be programmed to create music, art, and more, long before the development of modern computers. Her forward- thinking ideas laid the foundation for the field of computer science and continue to influence technology today.

Which Lovelace of the following is NOT MENTIONED in Paragraph 3?

Read the following advertisement 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 1 to 6.

Announcement: Grand Opening of Our High-Tech Center

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new High-Tech Center, a state-of-the-art facility (1) ______ to revolutionize the way we integrate technology into daily life.

The center features cutting-edge advancements, including a (2) ______that ensures security and enhances user convenience. Visitors who would like to see our (3) ______ technology in action are warmly invited to join us for this special event.

The highlight of the center is its ability to (4) ______our demand for efficiency and innovation in various fields. Amazingly, the center intends to replace most of its workers (5) ______ robots, which makes operations faster, smarter, and more cost-effective.

We encourage you to capture this memorable occasion. Don’t forget to get someone (6)_______a picture of us during the ribbon-cutting ceremony!