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.

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the beautiful characteristics of the Earth in paragraph 1?

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

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

Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes.

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

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

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

The word "severe" in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by:

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

The word "its" in paragraph 4 refers to:

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

In which paragraph does the passage discuss the effects of climate change on human and ecological systems?

Our Earth remains breathtakingly beautiful. The sky is blue, clouds are fluffy, the wind blows gently, and rain continues to fall. This serene image of our planet is something we all cherish. Yet, behind this calm and majestic exterior, undeniable evidence points to rapid and alarming environmental changes. Scientists around the world have observed that climate change and global warming are accelerating at a rate never before seen in Earth's long history.

Global warming poses a serious and significant threat to the health of our planet and all living beings that call it home. Over the last century, the average surface temperature of the Earth has risen by nearly 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At first glance, this might seem like a minor rise, but its impact has been far-reaching and profound, altering the delicate balance of the global climate. Recent data reveals that 11 out of the past 12 years were the hottest on record, emphasizing how quickly warming has advanced in just a few decades.

The consequences of this warming are becoming increasingly apparent. Polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates, leading to rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities and small island nations. Meanwhile, extreme weather events—such as prolonged droughts, catastrophic floods, and violent storms—are becoming not only more frequent but also more severe. These changes are disrupting human lives, threatening agricultural systems, and putting countless ecosystems and species at risk of extinction.

To combat this crisis, everyone must take responsibility. Simple actions, such as reducing carbon emissions, adopting renewable energy, and conserving natural resources, can make a significant difference. Addressing climate change requires collective effort and immediate action to prevent its impacts from worsening. By working together, we can protect our planet and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

In which paragraph is the urgency of taking action emphasized?

(I)Smart Grid technology integrates computer systems with electricity networks. (II)These systems gather data on supply and demand, enhancing engineers’ management capabilities. (III)This leads to better energy utilization, reduced fuel needs, and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, operational and maintenance costs are minimized. For consumers, smart technology provides real-time data on energy usage and variable tariffs, encouraging energy use during off-peak hours to reduce costs. For instance, appliances like washing machines can be run at night. Smart meters connected to the Internet or phone networks allow remote control of appliances. (IV)

However, challenges accompany these advancements. Managing supply and demand is difficult with renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and wave power, which are unpredictable. Unlike oil and gas, these sources cannot easily meet peak demands, risking blackouts or system failures. Solutions include improving energy storage and promoting off-peak electricity use. Another issue is the remote location of many renewable energy sources, such as coastal and upland areas, which often lack infrastructure. Building new networks is necessary, though smart technology can reduce costs through efficient planning.

Smart Technology is still in development, with pilot projects testing its feasibility. Consumers are experimenting with smart meters to manage their home electricity use, and trials are underway for new infrastructure. Implementation will likely occur in phases, starting with simple methods to achieve quick carbon savings before advancing to more complex systems. Urban areas, with their high energy demand, are the primary focus for initial investments. Cities will adopt sustainable power solutions, transportation systems, and electric vehicle charging networks. By 2050, these innovations will go a long way toward revolutionizing energy supply, transforming homes, transportation, and lifestyles.

The word “diminishing” in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to: