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.

 

According to the passage, things made from plastic are bad for our environment because _____.

 

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.

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.

What is the passage mainly about?

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 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.

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to protect the environment?

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

Across the globe, nations are preparing for water scarcity, _______?

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 best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 5?

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.

Choose the answer that is CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word/phrase in each of the following questions.

Innovative waste management systems will promote recycling and reduce environmental impact.

Read the following leaflet/notice and choose the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

TRANSFORMING FARMING WITH VERTICAL FARMING!

What is Vertical Farming?

Vertical farming is an innovative way of growing crops on vertically stacked layers, (7) __________ traditional horizontal land. By using less space, this (8) __________ allows farmers to produce more food, even in areas where traditional farming is impossible.

How Does Vertical Farming Work?

Vertical farms use advanced hydroponic systems that allow crops to grow in (9) __________ stacked layers. These systems control light, temperature, water, and humidity to create the perfect environment for plants. With natural sunlight and minimal resources, this (10) __________ reduces waste and helps grow crops year-round.

Why is Vertical Farming Important?

Vertical farming can help solve many agricultural challenges. It allows food (11) __________ in urban areas, reducing the need for long-distance transportation. It also helps farmers produce crops without worrying about climate change or weather conditions, (12) __________ a reliable food source.

Join the Green Revolution

Vertical farming is the future of agriculture. Start growing smarter, not harder!

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: ________

Write the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

Scientists are devoted ________ climate change to understand its causes and find solutions. (study)

Read the following passage and choose the correct answer that best fits each of the following blanks.

Scientists from the State University of New York recently conducted a test that found tiny pieces of plastic in bottled water. (28)_________ examined 250 bottles from nine countries and discovered that more than 90% of them (29)_________ microplastic particles. Sometimes, thousands of these tiny plastic pieces were in a liter of water. Only 17 bottles were plastic-free, with an average of ten plastic particles per liter.

The companies responsible for bottled water claim that their production (30)_________ the highest quality standards. However, scientists and doctors express concerns, even though there is no proof that the smallest plastic particles can harm the body. Most of the plastic is turned into waste and leaves the body through feces.

Apart from bottled water, plastic particles (31)_________ in beer, tap water, seafood, and even in the air. Bottled water is currently the fastest-growing beverage globally, with around $150 billion worth sold worldwide. It is essential for millions of people (32)_________ lack access to safe drinking water.

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 is NOT mentioned as a cause of megafires?

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

1. Extreme habitats are environments where most life, including humans, cannot survive. [I] These areas can be either very cold or very hot. [II] For example, polar regions are extremely cold, with temperatures often falling below 5°C. [III] Despite these harsh conditions, some microbes are able to live and even thrive in these areas. [IV] These bacteria are a type of psychrophile, which are microorganisms that grow best at temperatures of 15°C or lower.

2. On the other hand, some of the most extreme habitats are hot, with temperatures reaching over 40°C. These places are often near geothermal activity, such as deep-sea vents and hot springs. In 1966, microbiologist Thomas Brock discovered that microorganisms were surviving and growing in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. These organisms, known as thermophiles, require high temperatures to live. Deserts are also considered extreme hot environments. For example, the sidewinder snake has adapted to survive in the desert by moving in a way that only parts of its body touch the hot sand, reducing its exposure to the heat.

3. Organisms that survive in these extreme conditions can teach scientists important lessons. One example is the wood frog in Alaska (Lithobates sylvaticus). During winter, these frogs freeze completely, but when spring comes, they thaw and continue their lives. Scientists discovered that the frogs create chemicals that protect their organs from ice damage. This finding can help researchers develop methods to extend the preservation of human organs. Such advancements may be crucial for improving organ transplants.

4. Another remarkable organism is the tardigrade, also known as the water bear. This tiny creature can survive in many extreme environments, such as high mountains, deep oceans, and cold Antarctica. The water bear has even survived in space. By studying these organisms, scientists hope to learn more about life on other planets, such as Mars.

Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

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

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 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 best summarises the passage?

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.

The word vulnerable in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to __________.

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 is NOT mentioned as a benefit of the ocean?

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

1. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. These areas support a wide variety of species, including microbes, plants, insects, birds, fish, and mammals. Factors such as climate, landscape, geology, and water availability determine the types of plants and animals that live in wetlands. The relationships among these organisms create complex food webs, where each species plays a role in maintaining the ecosystem.

2. [I] Wetlands are often called "biological supermarkets" because they produce large amounts of food that attract many species. [II] Dead plant material, known as "detritus," enriches the water and provides nutrients for small aquatic insects, shellfish, and fish. [III] Many animals rely on wetlands for food, water, and shelter, especially during migration and breeding. [IV]

3. The ecological role of wetlands is closely linked to their surrounding watersheds. A watershed is an area where water flows to a common outlet, such as a river or lake. Wetlands are essential for maintaining the health of watersheds as they provide shallow water, high nutrient levels, and support organisms at the base of the food web. These ecosystems are integral to many species of fish, shellfish, and insects.

4. In addition to their ecological benefits, wetlands contribute to global environmental processes. They store carbon in their plants and soil, reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and helping to regulate the global climate. Wetlands are also involved in natural water, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles.

5. Humans benefit significantly from wetlands. They provide resources like fish, shellfish, timber, berries, and medicines. Wetlands also protect against floods, improve water quality, prevent shoreline erosion, and offer recreational opportunities. Far from being unimportant, wetlands provide unique environmental and human benefits.

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 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 ______.