Read the following passage about Marcel Bich 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.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

          Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

          By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the 'Bic Cristal'. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practical writing instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say 'Biro' on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

          Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

 

 

 

 

The word expanded in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ________.

Read the following passage about Marcel Bich 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.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

          Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

          By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the 'Bic Cristal'. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practical writing instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say 'Biro' on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

          Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

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

Read the following passage about Marcel Bich 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.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

          Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

          By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the 'Bic Cristal'. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practical writing instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say 'Biro' on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

          Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

Read the following passage about Marcel Bich 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.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

          Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

          By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the 'Bic Cristal'. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practical writing instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say 'Biro' on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

          Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

In which paragraph does the writer mention the original idea of the cheap ballpoint pen?

Read the following passage about Marcel Bich 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.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man turning the ballpoint pen into an item that today almost anyone can afford. Bich was shocked at the poor quality of the ballpoint pens that were available, and also at their high cost. However, he recognised that the ballpoint was a firmly established invention, and he decided to design a cheap pen that worked well and would be commercially successful.

          Bich went to the Biro brothers and asked them if he could use the design of their original invention in one of his own pens. In return, he offered to pay them every time he sold a pen. Then, for two years, Bich studied the detailed construction of every ballpoint pen that was being sold, often working with a microscope.

          By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new wonder: a plastic pen with a clear barrel that wrote smoothly, did not leak and only cost a few cents. He called it the 'Bic Cristal'. The ballpoint pen had finally become a practical writing instrument. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil. In Britain, they are still called Biros, and many Bic models also say 'Biro' on the side of the pen, to remind people of their original inventors.

          Bich became extremely wealthy thanks to his invention, which had worldwide appeal. Over the next 60 years his company, Société Bic, opened factories all over the world and expanded its range of inexpensive products. Today, Bic is as famous for its lighters and razors as it is for its pens, and you can even buy a Bic mobile phone.

In which paragraph does the writer inform the success of Bic company?

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

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

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

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

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

Where in paragraph I does the following sentence best fit?

People today can access a wider range of cultural experiences than ever before.

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

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

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

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

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

The phrase "social cohesion" in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by ____.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT an advantage of multiculturalism?

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

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

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

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

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

Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?

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

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

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

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

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

The word "fragmentation" in paragraph 3 is CLOSEST in meaning to ____.