VIII. Read the following passage and write your answer A, B, C, or D in the numbered box to indicate the correct answers to each of the questions. (20 points) Over the last 50 years, there has been an increase in the product and consumption of plastic globally. Our lifestyles, constant need for easily disposable products and the resulting waste has had a damaging impact on the environment. It is the accumulation of such waste, the kind that takes centuries to decompose, that has resulted in an increasing amount of plastic pollution around the world. Plastic pollution is associated with different types of harmful chemicals, the by-products of manufacturing and chemicals absorbed from the environment. The amount of waste we produce is increasing and we have to go way beyond recycling and replacing plastic bags in order to deal with plastic pollution. We shouldn't underestimate the scale of the challenge we are facing; one that is formidable and is affecting us all in the four corners of the world. Plastic is an incredibly useful material and is widely used because it is inexpensive, versatile, durable and resistant to moisture, but it also contains toxic substances that cannot be broken down by a natural system, therefore making it indestructible in a biodegradable sense and with long- lasting effects that cannot be reversed. A terrifyingly large amount of plastic has been produced of which only a small amount has been recycled, some has been burned and the remaining majority has ended up in landfills or the environment. A large proportion of waste plastic ends up in the oceans. More plastic is being washed into the sea at a faster rate affecting the marine life and causing problems for the environment and us. Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic is produced globally each year and much of it ends up in the soil or freshwater. Most of this plastic slowly fragments into small pieces which eventually end up microscopic but never truly go away. These microscopic particles, or microplastics, have potentially toxic effects on ecosystems. Every piece of plastic that has ever been produced is still with us, in some shape or form. Recycling only converts existing plastic into reusable material, so we can't recycle our way out of the plastic pollution. Recycling will never stem the flow of plastics into our ecosystem; we have to get to the source of the problem. It is undeniable that the ever-increasing amount of plastic waste will have an impact on the environment, but many are not concerned about the long-term issues it can create for the inhabitants of this planet. We have chosen to ignore the effect of our waste and plastic pollution on the planet as well as on our own lives for years, but it is time for a radical change. This is a global issue which requires collective action. Although some believe that it should be dealt with by governments, this problem can only be attacked when individuals and companies around the world work hand-in-hand to reduce waste. More and more companies are starting to commit to plans to reduce plastic waste over the next couple of decades. As individuals, we also need to work towards a vision of a world free of plastic pollution by using reusable materials, avoiding using disposable plastics, and supporting initiatives to reduce the plastic footprint in our community. We should care and we should spread it like wildfire. Let’s join the cause and make a difference! 1. What does the passage mainly discuss? A. Plastic consumption and its effects B. Plastic pollution and our action C. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life D. The problems caused by plastic particles 2. According to the writer, plastic pollution is caused by _______. A. the increasing amount of waste build-up B. people's busy and throw-away lifestyle C. the amount of rubbish generated by people D. harmful and toxic elements of plastic 3. The word formidable in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _______. A. compared B. measured C. friendly D. enormous 4. According to the writer, we should _______. A. recycle in a more organised way B. tackle plastic pollution at its root C. dispose of waste rather differently D. stay on top of the recycling game 5. The word burned in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to _______. A. torn B. shone C. scalded D. incinerated 6. The word it in paragraph 7 refers to _______. A. plastic waste B. impact C. environment D. planet 7. In paragraph 7, the writer says _______. A. many people have lost hope about the future of the planet B. it's clear why people fail to consider how serious plastic pollution is C. people should start taking the issue of plastic pollution seriously D. people are seriously suffering from the effects of plastic pollution 8. In the last paragraph, "spread it like wildfire" implies that people should _______. A. show interest and act very quickly B. provide a quick solution to the problem C. accept the consequences of their actions D. start using non-plastic materials immediately 9. The word converts in paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to _______. A. exchanges B. converses C. changes D. persuades 10. It can be inferred from the passage that _______. A. plastic pollution can be addressed by recycling B. the threat of pollution has diminished dramatically C. plastic pollution is much harder to deal with than it seems D. certain communities should take responsibility for plastic pollution IX. Read the passage below and fill each number blank with ONE suitable word. Write your answers in the numbered box. (20 points) The British are widely (1) _______ to be a very polite nation, and in (2) _______ respects this is true. An Italian journalist once commented of the British that they need (3) _______ fewer than four “thank you” merely to buy a bus ticket. The first, from the bus conductor means, “I’m here.” The second accompanies the handing over of the money. The third, again from the conductor, (4) _______ “Here is your ticket.”, and then the passenger utters a final one as he accepts the tickets. Such transactions in most (5) _______ parts of the world are usually conducted in total silence. In sharp contrast to this excessive politeness with strangers, the British are strangely lacking (6) _______ ritual phrases for social interaction. The exhortation “Good appetite”, uttered in so (7) _______ other languages to fellow-diners before a meal, does not exist in English. The nearest equivalent – Enjoy your dinner! – is said only by people who will not be partaking of the meal in question. What’s more, the British (8) _______ happiness to their friends or acquaintances only at the start of a new year and at (9) _______such as birthdays, (10) _______ the Greeks routinely wish all and sundry a “good week” or a “good month”. SECTION 5: WRITING X. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it. Write it in the space provided. (10 points) 1. The teachers haven’t officially decided which textbooks to use next academic year. No 2. It was careless of you to leave the windows on the second floor open last night. You shouldn’t 3. Right after the teacher reached home, he began to prepare his lesson plan.  Scarcely 4. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions for a customer satisfaction survey?  Do you have any 5. There's no need for me to tell you that you'll be paid handsomely for this.  It goes XI. Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first one, using the given word in bold given without change the given word. Write it in the space provided. (10 points) 1. Roger is now responsible for the whole sales department. (CHARGE)  Roger 2. If anyone succeeds in solving the problem right away, it will probably be him. (CHANCE)  He 3. Not all societies share the same ideas on family life and the correct way to raise children. (ATTITUDES) Societies 4. Kevin was always level–headed with a sensible and practical attitude toward life. (FEET)  5. I expected the book to be far better because it had been written by such a good novelist. (SHORT)  The book XII. Paragraph writing: (20 points) In about 150 words, write a paragraph about the drawbacks of city life. (Write your paragraph in the space provided.) - The end-

Question

VIII. Read the following passage and write your answer A, B, C, or D in the numbered box to indicate the correct answers to each of the questions. (20 points) Over the last 50 years, there has been an increase in the product and consumption of plastic globally. Our lifestyles, constant need for easily disposable products and the resulting waste has had a damaging impact on the environment. It is the accumulation of such waste, the kind that takes centuries to decompose, that has resulted in an increasing amount of plastic pollution around the world. Plastic pollution is associated with different types of harmful chemicals, the by-products of manufacturing and chemicals absorbed from the environment. The amount of waste we produce is increasing and we have to go way beyond recycling and replacing plastic bags in order to deal with plastic pollution. We shouldn&#x27;t underestimate the scale of the challenge we are facing; one that is formidable and is affecting us all in the four corners of the world. Plastic is an incredibly useful material and is widely used because it is inexpensive, versatile, durable and resistant to moisture, but it also contains toxic substances that cannot be broken down by a natural system, therefore making it indestructible in a biodegradable sense and with long- lasting effects that cannot be reversed. A terrifyingly large amount of plastic has been produced of which only a small amount has been recycled, some has been burned and the remaining majority has ended up in landfills or the environment. A large proportion of waste plastic ends up in the oceans. More plastic is being washed into the sea at a faster rate affecting the marine life and causing problems for the environment and us. Hundreds of millions of tons of plastic is produced globally each year and much of it ends up in the soil or freshwater. Most of this plastic slowly fragments into small pieces which eventually end up microscopic but never truly go away. These microscopic particles, or microplastics, have potentially toxic effects on ecosystems. Every piece of plastic that has ever been produced is still with us, in some shape or form. Recycling only converts existing plastic into reusable material, so we can&#x27;t recycle our way out of the plastic pollution. Recycling will never stem the flow of plastics into our ecosystem; we have to get to the source of the problem. It is undeniable that the ever-increasing amount of plastic waste will have an impact on the environment, but many are not concerned about the long-term issues it can create for the inhabitants of this planet. We have chosen to ignore the effect of our waste and plastic pollution on the planet as well as on our own lives for years, but it is time for a radical change. This is a global issue which requires collective action. Although some believe that it should be dealt with by governments, this problem can only be attacked when individuals and companies around the world work hand-in-hand to reduce waste. More and more companies are starting to commit to plans to reduce plastic waste over the next couple of decades. As individuals, we also need to work towards a vision of a world free of plastic pollution by using reusable materials, avoiding using disposable plastics, and supporting initiatives to reduce the plastic footprint in our community. We should care and we should spread it like wildfire. Let’s join the cause and make a difference! 1. What does the passage mainly discuss? A. Plastic consumption and its effects B. Plastic pollution and our action C. The impact of plastic pollution on marine life D. The problems caused by plastic particles 2. According to the writer, plastic pollution is caused by _______. A. the increasing amount of waste build-up B. people&#x27;s busy and throw-away lifestyle C. the amount of rubbish generated by people D. harmful and toxic elements of plastic 3. The word formidable in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to _______. A. compared B. measured C. friendly D. enormous 4. According to the writer, we should _______. A. recycle in a more organised way B. tackle plastic pollution at its root C. dispose of waste rather differently D. stay on top of the recycling game 5. The word burned in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to _______. A. torn B. shone C. scalded D. incinerated 6. The word it in paragraph 7 refers to _______. A. plastic waste B. impact C. environment D. planet 7. In paragraph 7, the writer says _______. A. many people have lost hope about the future of the planet B. it&#x27;s clear why people fail to consider how serious plastic pollution is C. people should start taking the issue of plastic pollution seriously D. people are seriously suffering from the effects of plastic pollution 8. In the last paragraph, "spread it like wildfire" implies that people should _______. A. show interest and act very quickly B. provide a quick solution to the problem C. accept the consequences of their actions D. start using non-plastic materials immediately 9. The word converts in paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to _______. A. exchanges B. converses C. changes D. persuades 10. It can be inferred from the passage that _______. A. plastic pollution can be addressed by recycling B. the threat of pollution has diminished dramatically C. plastic pollution is much harder to deal with than it seems D. certain communities should take responsibility for plastic pollution IX. Read the passage below and fill each number blank with ONE suitable word. Write your answers in the numbered box. (20 points) The British are widely (1) _______ to be a very polite nation, and in (2) _______ respects this is true. An Italian journalist once commented of the British that they need (3) _______ fewer than four “thank you” merely to buy a bus ticket. The first, from the bus conductor means, “I’m here.” The second accompanies the handing over of the money. The third, again from the conductor, (4) _______ “Here is your ticket.”, and then the passenger utters a final one as he accepts the tickets. Such transactions in most (5) _______ parts of the world are usually conducted in total silence. In sharp contrast to this excessive politeness with strangers, the British are strangely lacking (6) _______ ritual phrases for social interaction. The exhortation “Good appetite”, uttered in so (7) _______ other languages to fellow-diners before a meal, does not exist in English. The nearest equivalent – Enjoy your dinner! – is said only by people who will not be partaking of the meal in question. What’s more, the British (8) _______ happiness to their friends or acquaintances only at the start of a new year and at (9) _______such as birthdays, (10) _______ the Greeks routinely wish all and sundry a “good week” or a “good month”. SECTION 5: WRITING X. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed before it. Write it in the space provided. (10 points) 1. The teachers haven’t officially decided which textbooks to use next academic year. No 2. It was careless of you to leave the windows on the second floor open last night. You shouldn’t 3. Right after the teacher reached home, he began to prepare his lesson plan.  Scarcely 4. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions for a customer satisfaction survey?  Do you have any 5. There&#x27;s no need for me to tell you that you&#x27;ll be paid handsomely for this.  It goes XI. Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first one, using the given word in bold given without change the given word. Write it in the space provided. (10 points) 1. Roger is now responsible for the whole sales department. (CHARGE)  Roger 2. If anyone succeeds in solving the problem right away, it will probably be him. (CHANCE)  He 3. Not all societies share the same ideas on family life and the correct way to raise children. (ATTITUDES) Societies 4. Kevin was always level–headed with a sensible and practical attitude toward life. (FEET)  5. I expected the book to be far better because it had been written by such a good novelist. (SHORT)  The book XII. Paragraph writing: (20 points) In about 150 words, write a paragraph about the drawbacks of city life. (Write your paragraph in the space provided.) - The end-

Accepted Answer

Here are the answers to the passage questions:

1. B. Plastic pollution and our action
2. A. the increasing amount of waste build-up
3. D. enormous
4. B. tackle plastic pollution at its root
5. D. incinerated
6. A. plastic waste
7. C. people should start taking the issue of plastic pollution seriously
8. A. show interest and act very quickly
9. C. changes
10. C. plastic pollution is much harder to deal with than it seems

1. considered
2. many
3. no
4. means
5. other
6. in
7. many
8. express
9. occasions
10. whereas

Here are the completed sentences:

1. The teachers haven’t officially decided which textbooks to use next academic year.
 No decision has been made yet on which textbooks to use next academic year.

2. It was careless of you to leave the windows on the second floor open last night.
 You shouldn’t have left the windows on the second floor open last night.

3. Right after the teacher reached home, he began to prepare his lesson plan.
 Scarcely had the teacher reached home when he began to prepare his lesson plan.

4. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions for a customer satisfaction survey?
 Do you have any objections to my asking you a few questions for a customer satisfaction survey?

5. There&#x27;s no need for me to tell you that you&#x27;ll be paid handsomely for this.
 It goes without saying that you&#x27;ll be paid handsomely for this.

Here are the completed sentences:

1. Roger is now responsible for the whole sales department. 
 Roger is now **in charge** of the whole sales department.

2. If anyone succeeds in solving the problem right away, it will probably be him. 
 He will probably be the first to have a **chance** to solve the problem right away.

3. Not all societies share the same ideas on family life and the correct way to raise children. 
 **Attitudes** to family life and the way to raise children are not the same across all societies.

4. Kevin was always level–headed with a sensible and practical attitude toward life. 
 Kevin was always level–headed, never losing his head and staying with both **feet** on the ground.

5. I expected the book to be far better because it had been written by such a good novelist. 
 The book **fell short** of my expectations, given it had been written by such a good novelist.

Living in a city has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it also has several drawbacks. One major disadvantage of city life is the high cost of living. The prices of housing, food, and transportation are significantly higher in cities compared to rural areas. Furthermore, cities are often overcrowded and noisy, which can be stressful and overwhelming for many people. The air and water pollution in cities can also negatively impact residents&#x27; health. In addition, the fast-paced and competitive nature of city life can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, even when surrounded by people. Lastly, traffic congestion in cities can cause frustration and wasted time. Overall, while cities offer many opportunities and amenities, their drawbacks cannot be ignored, and people should carefully consider these factors when deciding where to live.

VIII. Read the following passage and write your answer A, B, C, or D in the numbered box to indicate the correct answers to each of the questions. (20 points) Over the last 50 years, there has been an...