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!

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!

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

After hitting the Philippines, where it killed more than a dozen people, ___(18)___ and shortly after parts of Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Nearly a week since it made landfall, many farms and villages in northern parts of Vietnam and neighboring Thailand remain under water as ___(19)___ with severe flooding and the looming threat of landslides.

In Vietnam, the death toll has risen to at least 226 as a result of the storm and the landslides and flash floods it triggered, the government’s disaster agency said Thursday, according to Reuters. ___(20)___.

At least 33 people have died across Thailand since mid-August ___(21)___, with at least nine deaths this week after Yagi, Reuters reported citing the local government.

Storms are being made more intense and deadlier by the warming ocean, scientists have long warned. While developed nations bear a greater historical responsibility for the human-induced climate crisis, ___(22)___.

(Adapted from CNN)

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

Earth Hour is a movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (18)______. It encourages people and businesses to turn off their lights and other non-essential electrical devices, for an hour from 8:30 to 9:30p.m on the last Saturday of March. The initiative was proposed in 2004 in Australia, but the idea of a worldwide movement (19) ______. Earth Hour was started as a lights-out event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, it has grown to become an international movement for the environment, (20) ______. Later in October 2007, a similar event called “Lights Out” was held in San Francisco.

Due to the success of the event, the organizers decided to hold Earth Hour annually around the world. (21)______. More importantly, it has helped raise awareness of climate change and has become a symbol of our commitment to protecting our planet. Although one hour can’t change the world, it encourages governments and people to set long-term goals for sustainable development around the world.

Joining the event in 2009, (22) ______. Besides switching off lights, people can take part in a number of activities to raise awareness of environmental problems and call for action for climate, people and nature.

Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere 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.

Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.

(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV)  It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.

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

Read the following passage about plastic bags and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Plastic bags are used by everybody. From a vegetable vendor to a designer store, everyone seems to use them. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the Earth.  But, most of us are blissfully unaware of the outcomes that are occurring and will take place in the future.

Every once in a while, the government passes out an order banning store owners from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used every year in the U.S. alone. The problem is further worsened by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India.

Once they are used, most bags go into landfills. Each year, more and more bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. About 100,000 animals, such as dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins are killed every year due to these bags. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. One of the worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable. No one will live so long to witness the decomposition of plastic!

A tote bag can make a good substitute for carrying groceries and the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the bags you already have is another good idea. Plastics are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible.

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

Read the following passage about plastic bags and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Plastic bags are used by everybody. From a vegetable vendor to a designer store, everyone seems to use them. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the Earth.  But, most of us are blissfully unaware of the outcomes that are occurring and will take place in the future.

Every once in a while, the government passes out an order banning store owners from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used every year in the U.S. alone. The problem is further worsened by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India.

Once they are used, most bags go into landfills. Each year, more and more bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. About 100,000 animals, such as dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins are killed every year due to these bags. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. One of the worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable. No one will live so long to witness the decomposition of plastic!

A tote bag can make a good substitute for carrying groceries and the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the bags you already have is another good idea. Plastics are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible.

According to the second paragraph, what is NOT TRUE about the reality of plastic bags?

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 34 to 40.

An education pioneer born into rural poverty in Nepal has opened 30 schools in a bid to boost prospects for his country’s children.

The World Bank ranks Nepal as the globe’s 31st poorest country, with almost 10 million people living on daily incomes between £1.48 and £2.50. Many rural villages remain unreached by government schooling and adult literacy stood at just 60 percent in 2011.

Surya Karki and his charity United World Schools Nepal (UWS) are tackling high illiteracy and poverty rates by funding and improving education.

The first school opened in 2015. Since then 92 percent of children have completed primary education, which finishes at age eight, and continued into secondary education with UWS schools, in comparison to 39 percent of students continuing education who attended government schools.

Mr Karki was born into poverty in rural Nepal. Speaking to the Telegraph he said: “School is the only solution to the poverty cycle that we live in. I was raised by a single mother in a male- dominated society. The school that I went to was approximately two hours walk away. My house was on top of a hill and my mother had to drag me across rivers. We used to walk 10 miles a day. The schooling was really bad.”

Karki’s mother was a firm believer in education, and at age eight Karki secured a scholarship to study in the capital, Kathmandu. From there he won scholarships and completed Master’s degrees in China and the United States. He returned to Nepal in 2015 and decided to stay and develop the education system. Karki said: “Inequalities in a country can only be decreased if there is access to knowledge.”

The devastating earthquake in 2015 damaged 9,300 schools, displacing hundreds of thousands of families and pushing 700,000 people into poverty. As of January 2018, only 2,891 schools had been rebuilt. Karki said: “We came at a crucial time, where we could redo or undo what had been done badly. Education was really bad in terms of infrastructure, quality of teachers and training. It was an opportunity for us to really make things better.”

UWS Nepal has so far built 30 schools and has seven more in construction. The schools run between 10 am and 3:30 pm, and have an 86 percent average attendance rate, which Karki says is almost double the attendance rate for government schools in the vicinity. Sexual health classes are taught to the children in the later years.

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 option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.

The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.

Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.

The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.

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

Earth Hour is a movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (18)______. It encourages people and businesses to turn off their lights and other non-essential electrical devices, for an hour from 8:30 to 9:30p.m on the last Saturday of March. The initiative was proposed in 2004 in Australia, but the idea of a worldwide movement (19) ______. Earth Hour was started as a lights-out event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, it has grown to become an international movement for the environment, (20) ______. Later in October 2007, a similar event called “Lights Out” was held in San Francisco.

Due to the success of the event, the organizers decided to hold Earth Hour annually around the world. (21)______. More importantly, it has helped raise awareness of climate change and has become a symbol of our commitment to protecting our planet. Although one hour can’t change the world, it encourages governments and people to set long-term goals for sustainable development around the world.

Joining the event in 2009, (22) ______. Besides switching off lights, people can take part in a number of activities to raise awareness of environmental problems and call for action for climate, people and nature.

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 31 to 40.

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

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

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

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

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

What does the word This in paragraph 3 refer to?

Read the following passage about education in Nepal and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40. 

A few years ago, amid a record drought, scientists noticed something odd. A few of California’s giant sequoias inside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were dying in ways no one had ever documented – from the top down. When researchers climbed into the canopies, they discovered that beetles had bored into a few branches. By 2019, at least 38 of the trees had died – not a large number, but "concerning because we’ve never observed this before,” says Christy Brigham, the park’s chief of resource management.

Scientists had assumed that stately sequoias, with their bug-repelling tannins, were immune to dangerous pests. Worried experts are investigating whether some mix of increased drought and wildfire, both worsened by climate change, have now made even sequoias susceptible to deadly insect invasions.

If so, these ancient sentinels would be just the latest example of a trend experts are documenting around the world: Trees in forests are dying at increasingly high rates—especially the bigger, older trees. According to a study in the journal Science, the death rate is making forests younger, threatening biodiversity, eliminating important plant and animal habitat, and reducing forests’ ability to store excess carbon dioxide generated by our consumption of fossil fuels. [A]

There is no single direct cause. Decades of logging and land clearing play a role, scientists say. But increasing temperatures and rising carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels have significantly magnified most other causes of tree death. Scientists are documenting longer and harsher droughts, more severe outbreaks of insects and disease, and increasingly catastrophic wildfires.

With 60,000 known tree species on Earth, those shifts are playing out differently across the planet. In central Europe, for instance, “You don’t have to look for dead trees,” says Henrik Hartmann, with Germany's Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. “They’re everywhere.” In one recent year, following a week of excessive heat, hundreds of thousands of beech trees dropped their leaves. Even in colder regions, “You get a couple of hot years and the forests are suffering,” says Hartmann. “There are individual species that are being driven beyond the threshold of what they can handle.” [B]

Just last year, massive fires marched through a dry Australia, smoldered across 7.4 million acres in northern Siberia, and focused the world’s attention on blazes in the Amazon.

The consequences of all these changes around the world are still being assessed. The first national look at tree mortality in Israel showed vast stretches disappearing, thanks largely to scorching heat and wildfires. [C] In a country largely blanketed by stone and sand, forests mean a great deal. Trees support nests for eagles and habitat for wolves and jackals. They hold soil with their roots. [D]

“We’re dealing with a very tough situation. It’s a race to the unknown,” says Tamir Klein at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

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

Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere 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.

Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.

(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV)  It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.

Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 1?

Read the following passage about Heat Transfer in the Atmosphere 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.

Because the low latitudes of the Earth, the areas near the equator, receive more heat than the latitudes near the poles, and because the nature of heat is to expand and move, heat is transported from the tropics to the middle and high latitudes. Some of this heat is moved by winds and some by ocean currents, and some gets stored in the atmosphere in the form of latent heat.

(I) The term “latent heat” refers to the energy that has to be used to convert liquid water to water vapor. (II) We know that if we warm a pan of water on a stove, it will evaporate, or turn into vapor, faster than if it is allowed to sit at room temperature. (III) We also know that if we hang wet clothes outside in the summertime, they will dry faster than in winter, when the temperature is lower. The energy used in both cases to change liquid water to water vapor is supplied by heat - supplied by the stove in the first case and by the Sun in the latter case. This energy is not lost. (IV)  It is stored as vapor in the atmosphere as latent heat. Eventually, the water stored as vapor in the atmosphere will condense to liquid again, and the energy will be released to the atmosphere.

In the atmosphere, a large portion of the Sun’s incoming energy is used to evaporate water, primarily in the tropical oceans. Scientists have tried to pin down this proportion of the Sun’s energy. By analyzing temperature, water vapor, and wind data around the globe, they have estimated the quantity to be about 90 watts per square meter, or nearly 30 percent of the Sun’s energy. Once this latent heat is stored within the atmosphere, it can be transported, primarily to higher latitudes, by prevailing, large - scale winds. Or it can be transported vertically to higher levels in the atmosphere, where it forms clouds and subsequent storms, which then release the energy back to the atmosphere.

The phrase " pin down " in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by:

Read the following passage about the Exploring The Universe 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.

Science is a vast and fascinating field that seeks to understand the natural world and the universe beyond[I]. It encompasses various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy[II]. Each of these areas contributes to our understanding of complex phenomena, [III]. For instance, scientific research has led to significant breakthroughs in medicine, renewable energy, and environmental conservation[IV]. In this essay, we will explore the impact of science on our lives, particularly focusing on space exploration.

One of the most intriguing aspects of science is space exploration. Humans have always looked to the stars, wondering what lies beyond our planet. The launch of satellites and manned missions has allowed us to gather valuable information about the cosmos. For example, NASA's Mars Rover has provided insight into the potential for life on other planets. Through meticulous research and data collection, scientists can analyze soil samples and atmospheric conditions, paving the way for future explorations.

Space exploration also raises critical questions about our existence and the future of humanity. As we continue to advance technologically, the prospect of colonizing other planets becomes more plausible. This endeavor could serve as a solution to the challenges we face on Earth, such as overpopulation and resource depletion. However, ethical considerations must guide these efforts. We must ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of history, such as the exploitation of natural resources and indigenous populations.

Moreover, scientific advancements have enabled us to develop technologies that enhance our understanding of the universe. Telescopes and space probes allow us to observe distant galaxies, study black holes, and uncover the mysteries of dark matter. Each discovery leads to new questions, further fueling our curiosity and drive for knowledge. The concept of the multiverse, for instance, challenges our understanding of reality and pushes the boundaries of scientific thought.

In addition to exploring the universe, science plays a crucial role in addressing pressing issues on Earth. Climate change, for example, is a significant concern that scientists are actively investigating. Through climate models and data analysis, researchers can predict future trends and propose solutions to mitigate the effects of global warming. Public awareness and education are essential in fostering a collective response to environmental challenges.

As we reflect on the wonders of science, it is clear that its contributions extend far beyond mere knowledge acquisition. Science empowers us to make informed decisions about our health, environment, and future. By fostering a culture of curiosity and critical thinking, we can inspire future generations to continue exploring the unknown.

Which of the following best summarises paragraph 5?

Read the following passage about plastic bags and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Plastic bags are used by everybody. From a vegetable vendor to a designer store, everyone seems to use them. Even though they are one of the modern conveniences that we seem to be unable to do without, they are responsible for causing pollution, killing wildlife, and using up the precious resources of the Earth.  But, most of us are blissfully unaware of the outcomes that are occurring and will take place in the future.

Every once in a while, the government passes out an order banning store owners from providing plastic bags to customers for carrying their purchases. About a hundred billion plastic bags are used every year in the U.S. alone. The problem is further worsened by the developed countries shipping off their plastic waste to developing countries like India.

Once they are used, most bags go into landfills. Each year, more and more bags are ending up littering the environment. Once they become litter, plastic bags find their way into our waterways, parks, beaches, and streets. About 100,000 animals, such as dolphins, turtles, whales, penguins are killed every year due to these bags. And worse, the ingested plastic bag remains intact even after the death and decomposition of the animal. One of the worst environmental effects is that they are non-biodegradable. No one will live so long to witness the decomposition of plastic!

A tote bag can make a good substitute for carrying groceries and the shopping. You can keep the bag with the cashier, and then put your purchases into it instead of the usual plastic bag. Recycling the bags you already have is another good idea. Plastics are not only non-biodegradable, but are one of the major pollutants of the sea. For a clean and green environment, try to use alternatives to plastic whenever and wherever possible.

The word “outcomes” in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by _________.

Read the following passage about climate change and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

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

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

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

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

The word "consequences" in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ________.

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

The global average temperature also set a new record in 2024,(18)______. This meant the planet passed the 1.5C (2.7F) level agreed as a target by the Paris climate agreement for the first time. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, (19) ______.

The 1.5°C limit is a long-term goal, breached when warming is sustained for a decade or more. In 2024, CO2 levels rose significantly, far exceeding the levels required to stay on track for this target. While suggesting a smaller increase, (20) ______. Global heating continues to worsen as emissions rise, underscoring the urgent need to reduce CO2. Despite available solutions, political inaction remains a major barrier to meeting climate goals.

Wildfires in 2024, particularly in the Americas, released massive amounts of CO2, exacerbating the climate crisis. The increased frequency and severity of these fires are linked to climate change, while El Niño contributed to the dry conditions that fueled them. Additionally, El Niño hindered vegetation growth, reducing the ability of plants to absorb CO2. (21) ______.

The 2024 CO2 rise of 3.6ppm was more than double the level needed for net-zero goals. (22)______. Projections for 2025 predict a lower rise as La Niña improves vegetation growth. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged nations to prioritize climate action, emphasizing the need for stronger commitments to address the crisis.