READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 10 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading
Passage 1 below.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument
in Wiltshire, England, is one of the most famous landmarks in the United
Kingdom. This stone circle, which stands on the Salisbury Plain, has been
studied for centuries, yet it remains shrouded in mystery. Archaeologists
believe it was constructed in stages, starting around 3000 BCE. Over the course
of several centuries, new elements were added, transforming it into the unique
structure we see today.
The site consists of large standing
stones, known as sarsens, and smaller stones called bluestones. The sarsen
stones, which were erected around 2500 BCE, each weigh about 25 tons and are
believed to have been transported from Marlborough Downs, located approximately
32 kilometers away. The origins of the bluestone stones are even more
remarkable; they were likely brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, nearly
240 kilometers away. Transporting these massive stones over such long distances
would have been an immense challenge for the people of that time, leading
researchers to speculate about the methods they might have used.
Stonehenge has been linked to
astronomical alignments, especially with the summer and winter solstices. At
sunrise on the summer solstice, the sun aligns perfectly with the Heel Stone, a
large outlying stone placed at the edge of the circular layout. This alignment
has led many to suggest that Stonehenge may have served as an ancient calendar,
helping people to track the changing seasons and agricultural cycles.
There are various theories about
Stonehenge's purpose. Some suggest it was used as a burial ground, as numerous
cremated remains have been found in the surrounding area. Others propose that
it was a ceremonial or religious site, used by ancient people to celebrate
seasonal festivals or connect with deities. Some even believe it was a center
for healing, as several skeletons with signs of illness or injury have been
unearthed nearby.
In recent years, advanced technology
has shed new light on Stonehenge and its surroundings. Ground-penetrating radar
and other non-invasive techniques have revealed hidden structures beneath the
surface, suggesting that Stonehenge was part of a larger ceremonial complex.
One such site, known as the Durrington Walls, is located about 3 kilometers
away and is thought to have been a settlement that supported the construction
of Stonehenge.
Despite extensive research, many
aspects of Stonehenge remain unknown. While scholars have made significant
discoveries, they still debate its true purpose and the methods used to
construct it. As new technology continues to evolve, perhaps one day we will
uncover all the secrets of this ancient wonder.
Questions 1-5
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the
passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on
your answer sheet.
Stonehenge
Construction
and Structure
- The flat land known as 1. _______, where Stonehenge
stands, is located in a county in England.
- The more sizable stones, referred to as 2. ______ ones,
were conveyed from an estimated distance of under 40 kilometers.
- The lesser stones, identified as 3. _______, are
believed to have been brought from another region.
- Stonehenge is positioned in a straight line with the
sun during the summer and winter 4. _______.
- Some speculate that Stonehenge could have served as a 5.
_______ for monitoring the seasons in the past.
Questions 6-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage
1?
In boxes 6-13 on your answer sheet,
write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- One of the sarsen stones is the most substantial
compared to the other stones at Stonehenge.
- Stonehenge’s bluestones were brought from Scotland.
- People who constructed Stonehenge were well aware of
the agricultural calendar.
- Scientists conformed that Stonehenge had been used
exclusively as a graveyard.
- Some bones found near Stonehenge show signs of damage or
ailments.
- The use of modern advancement has provided insight into
Stonehenge's hidden structures.
- Durrington Walls is believed to have been a site for
ancient celebrations.
- We may have a clear insight into Stonehenge in the future.
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 10 minutes on
Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
Climate
Change and Its Impact on Society
A
The effects of climate change are becoming
increasingly evident across the globe. Rising sea levels, extreme weather
events, and unprecedented temperatures are impacting communities, ecosystems,
and economies. For instance, low-lying island nations like the Maldives are at
risk of disappearing altogether as the ocean encroaches upon land that is only
a few meters above sea level. The changes in climate are not limited to just
geography but also have significant social implications, such as displacement
and loss of livelihoods, especially in vulnerable regions.
B
At the core of climate change are
greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), which trap heat
within the earth’s atmosphere. When human activities, such as burning fossil
fuels or deforestation, increase the concentration of these gases, the global
temperature rises. This process, commonly known as global warming, has
far-reaching effects. Scientists emphasize that if global temperatures continue
to increase at the current rate, extreme weather conditions may become even
more frequent, intensifying hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.
C
The impact of climate change is felt
disproportionately across different regions and populations. While wealthier
nations may have the infrastructure to manage some effects, poorer regions
often suffer the consequences more acutely. For example, farmers in
drought-prone areas of Africa struggle to produce crops, leading to food
insecurity. In contrast, countries in northern latitudes may benefit
temporarily from a warmer climate due to longer growing seasons. Nonetheless,
the overall impact of climate change remains detrimental for the majority,
putting increased strain on resources and leading to potential conflicts over
water and land.
D
The physical and economic costs of
climate change have prompted action from both governments and non-governmental
organizations. Strategies like transitioning to renewable energy sources, such
as solar and wind power, can help reduce CO₂ emissions. At the same time,
reforestation initiatives, where trees are planted to absorb CO₂, are another
way to mitigate the effects of climate change. Some countries have also pledged
to achieve net-zero emissions by certain deadlines, although the feasibility of
these commitments remains a topic of debate among experts.
E
Awareness of climate change and its
potential consequences has also increased among the general public, partly due
to influential voices like climate activists and scientists. People are
beginning to see how their own actions contribute to climate change, prompting
many to adopt more environmentally friendly lifestyles. Simple changes, like
reducing energy consumption, recycling, and supporting sustainable products,
contribute to reducing one’s carbon footprint. Some schools and educational
programs are also integrating climate science into their curricula to equip
future generations with the knowledge they need to address the issue.
F
However, skepticism and
misinformation about climate change still exist. Some argue that the effects of
climate change are exaggerated or that it’s a natural cycle independent of
human influence. This skepticism can create barriers to meaningful change, as
policies that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions may not receive the
necessary support. To combat misinformation, scientists and environmental
advocates strive to provide clear and accurate information, emphasizing the
importance of evidence-based understanding in making informed decisions on this
critical issue.
Questions 14–18
Reading Passage 2 has six paragraphs, A–F.
Which paragraph contains the
following information?
Write the correct letter, A–F,
in boxes 14–18 on your answer sheet. You can use a letter more than once.
- mention of how countries’ financial status affects
their ability to respond to climate change
- actions individuals can take to reduce their
environmental impact
- examples of how climate change affects natural
landscapes
- a description of how certain subtances detrimentally affect the environment.
- mention of prominent figures who have raised public awareness
of environmental issues.
Questions 19–22
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the
passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 19–22
on your answer sheet.
- Low-lying islands are at risk of ……………………… as a
consequence of escalating sea levels.
- Deforestation is one activity that leads to an increase
in ………………………that cause rising temperature in the atmosphere.
- One solution to alleviate environmental issues is to
switch to ……………………… sources of power.
- Schools have started integrating subjects related to
……………………… to their curricula to inform future generations.
Questions 23 and 24
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Write the correct letters in boxes 23
and 24 on your answer sheet.
Which TWO responses to climate
change are mentioned in Paragraph D?
A. expanding agricultural land
B. setting emission targets
C. supporting natural carbon capture methods
D. creating new methods of storing fossil fuels
E. encouraging a return to traditional farming
Questions 25 and 26
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Write the correct letters in boxes 25
and 26 on your answer sheet.
Which TWO facts about climate change
skepticism are mentioned in the text?
A. It hinders support for
environmental policies.
B. It is mainly present in specific countries.
C. It is rooted in misinformation.
D. It decreases as scientific evidence grows.
E. It encourages alternative environmental practices.
READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 10 minutes on
Questions 27–40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
The
Science Behind Athletic Performance
What is it that sets elite athletes
apart from the rest of us? Sports scientists have long studied the factors that
contribute to athletic excellence. Some researchers focus on the physiological
aspects, while others look at psychological factors or the athlete’s
environment. The complex interplay between genetics, training, mental
resilience, and support systems makes understanding athletic performance an
intriguing challenge.
Research indicates that a
significant aspect of athletic ability is genetic. Athletes who excel often
have physical attributes that give them a natural advantage. For instance,
sprinters typically have a higher percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers,
which help generate explosive power, while endurance runners may have a higher
proportion of slow-twitch fibers, which provide stamina. However, genetics
alone is not enough to produce an elite athlete. For those naturally inclined
towards sports, focused and consistent training is essential. According to Dr.
Lauren Bates, a leading sports physiologist, even those with a genetic
advantage must undergo rigorous training to reach top levels in their sport.
Training itself has evolved over the
years as sports science has developed. Coaches now have access to data on
athletes’ performance, allowing them to adjust training programs based on
real-time feedback. With advances in wearable technology, data on heart rate,
oxygen levels, and muscle activity can be continuously monitored, offering
insights that were previously inaccessible. Training is often tailored to
target an athlete’s specific weaknesses, helping them to make incremental
improvements that could be the difference between winning and losing.
Another critical component of high performance
is the athlete’s mental state. Sports psychologists have found that mental
resilience – the ability to bounce back from failure or injury – is as crucial
as physical ability. A study on Olympic athletes showed that those with higher
levels of self-belief and determination tend to perform better under pressure.
Dr. Emma Greene, a sports psychologist, argues that elite athletes must
practice mindfulness and visualization techniques to strengthen mental
resilience. She emphasizes that confidence and focus can make or break an
athlete’s performance in high-stakes competitions.
The environment in which an athlete
grows up and trains also impacts performance. Many high-achieving athletes come
from communities with strong support systems, whether from family, coaches, or
peers. Sociological research by Dr. Jonathan Reed found that athletes who
receive emotional and financial support from their families are more likely to
succeed. Reed’s findings also suggest that the opportunity to train with other
skilled athletes provides a competitive edge.
In recent years, sports science has
turned its focus to recovery. The concept of ‘overtraining’ has emerged, where
excessive training without adequate recovery can lead to injury and burnout.
Innovations in recovery science now guide athletes on how best to manage their
rest periods. Techniques such as cryotherapy, massage, and even guided sleep
schedules are part of the regimen of many elite athletes. By balancing hard
work with recovery, athletes can avoid burnout and ensure sustained peak
performance.
Ultimately, while there is no single
factor that determines athletic success, the combination of genetics, training,
mental toughness, support systems, and effective recovery strategies creates a
solid foundation for success. As sports science advances, researchers continue
to unlock the secrets of elite performance.
Questions 27–32
Complete the summary below using the
list of phrases, A–K, below.
Write the correct letter, A–K,
in boxes 27–32 on your answer sheet.
Athletic
Success
Athletic success involves a complex
27………………… of factors, and scientists are constantly researching how these
factors work together. For example, top athletes often have certain 28…………………
traits that contribute to their success, yet these are not enough on their own.
Dr. Lauren Bates asserts that athletes need 29………………… training to reach
their full potential, despite any natural advantages. Advances in technology
now allow trainers to 30………………… weaknesses in an athlete’s performance and adjust
training accordingly.
Another essential aspect of high
performance is mental resilience, which has been shown to help athletes cope
with 31…………………. Elite athletes also benefit from being part of an 32…………………
that provides emotional and financial backing.
A
innate B track C environment D reliable E perform F comfortable
G assess H
setbacks I intense J combination K break
Questions 33–37
Do the following statements agree
with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
In boxes 33–37 on your answer sheet,
write:
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
33.
Innate qualities are not very much
for an athlete to reach the highest level of performance.
34.
Employing mental techniques proves
ineffectual in enhancing athletes' capacity to maintain composure amidst
high-pressure situations.
35.
Elite athletes frequently emerge
from communities endowed with robust support systems.
36.
Recovery methods have only recently
been considered important in sports science.
37.
More insightful facts of top
performance are expected to be discovered.
Questions 38–40
Choose the correct letter, A,
B, C, or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes
38–40 on your answer sheet.
- What do the coaches do in training?
A Evaluate the potential of young
athletes.
B Improve athletes’ response to
mental challenges.
C Monitor someone’s reactions in real
time.
D Extend training sessions.
- What did Dr. Reed’s research conclude about family
support?
A Athletes perform better when
financially independent.
B Family support is the only factor
in achieving success.
C Financial and emotional support are
key to an athlete’s success.
D Athletes without family support
have greater mental resilience.
- What does the writer do in the final paragraph?
A concurs that success is exclusively
a byproduct of rigorous training.
B elucidates the methodology for
attaining profound success.
C ensures that genetics serve as the
principal determinant.
D draws a parallel between mental
resilience and physical strength.
