1. The questions number 1–3 are based on the following passage.

In the US, consumers spend around $700 million a year keeping their fabrics soft. In
the UK people spend £200 million a year on fabric softener. A giant manufacturer
even claims a massive 50 percent share of the market. Despite the popularity, fabric
softeners can be harmful to both the people who use them and the marine life that
ends up swimming in them.

Fabric softening surfactants can be derived from animals, plants or minerals, as in

the case of newer, silicone-based formulations. There is little difference between the
chemicals used in fabric softeners and those used in hair conditioners. Whatever
they are based on, all fabric softeners work in pretty much the same way, by
depositing these surfactants onto the fabric to make it feel softer, reduce static cling,
and impart a fresh fragrance.

Special fixatives in the mix of both standard and luxury conditioners mean that the
fragrance can last for days, permeating wardrobes and drawers. The regular off-
gassing of perfume chemicals from fabric softeners can be a significant trigger for
asthma and other breathing problems. In the US, chemically sensitive individuals
complain that, even after several washes, they cannot get the smell of fabric
softeners out of their washing machines and dryers.

If you are a fabric softener addict, there are now a number of companies that provide
alternative and ‘green’ fabric softeners. However, essentially, these are unnecessary
products that can trigger health problems and can interfere with the functional aspect
of some textiles. For instance, when used on towels and nappies, some fabric
softeners can reduce absorbency, which is why it’s generally recommended that
reusable nappies aren’t washed with them. Once they are washed down the drain
they can become highly toxic to aquatic life. Given this, maybe it’s worth asking
yourself whether the time has come to break the fabric softener habit completely.
Thomas, P. (2009). Behind the Label: Comfort Fabric Softener. Taken on 20 September 2021 from https://theecologist.org/2009/feb/12/behind-label-comfort-
fabric-softener.

1. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A. The downside of fabric softener usage

B. The popularity of fabric softener in the US
C. Harmful compounds found in fabric softener
D. Controlling the habit of using fabric softener
E. Environmental issues caused by fabric softener

2. The word permeating in the third paragraph is similar in meaning with ….

A. filling
B. soaking
C. charging
D. attaining
E. absorbing
  3. Based on the passage, it can be hypothesized that …

A. ‘Green’ softeners are developed in response to the needs of fabric softener addicts.
B. Manufactures will shift to producing ‘green’ fabric softener products.
C. A small amount of fabric softener chemicals in the water will not harm aquatic life.
D. The absorbency in some textiles will be reduced if they are washed with fabric
softeners.
E. People with breathing problems will feel safer using fabric softener if it contains
fewer perfume chemicals.

The questions number 4–7 are based on the following passage.

The United Nations predicts Earth will have to feed another 2.3 billion people by
2050, mostly concentrated in urban centers far from farmland. Conventional
agriculture may not be able to meet that demand, but luckily NASA has been working
for decades to tackle food production both on Earth and in space. Feeding
astronauts during long-term space exploration means stretching resources to grow
plants in space—including minimizing water use and energy consumption and
eliminating soil.

NASA initially pioneered these techniques on the ground by building the country’s
first vertical farm. Inside a decommissioned hypobaric chamber left over from testing
the Mercury space capsule, technologists stacked rows of hydroponic trays like
bookshelves against the walls. Then systems for lighting, ventilation, and circulating
water were added using off-the-shelf parts. Various crops were planted on the
stacked trays to test how well they would grow in water and without the benefit of
sunlight or open air. This innovative approach to farming created a foundation for the
industry of controlled environment agriculture, or CEA.

CEA combines plant science and environmental control to optimize plant growth and
maximize efficiency, frequently incorporating vertical growth structures. Technology
enables the filtering of contaminants from crop water and delivers precise nutrient
balances. Artificial lighting provides only the necessary wavelengths at the right time,
intensity, and duration, while environmental controls maintain ideal temperature and
humidity. This approach could help feed burgeoning future generations, said Nate
Storey, chief science officer at Plenty Unlimited, one of several companies building
on NASA’s plant-growth research.
Pierce, M. (2021). NASA Research Launches a New Generation of Indoor Farming. Taken on November 30, 2021 from https://www.nasa.gov
/directorates/spacetech/spinoff/NASA_Research_Launches_a_New_Generation_ of_Indoor_Farming.

4. It is stated in the passage that …

A. The world will run out of food by 2050 according to the United Nations.
B. NASA has maximized a farming method requiring a little water.
C. NASA is taking over conventional agriculture to address future food demands.
D. To improve plant development, plant science must be integrated with vertical growth
structures.
E. NASA’s innovative approach pioneered the establishment of a controlled environment
agriculture industry.
 5. Regarding the role of NASA in producing food, we know that …

A. The more farming techniques NASA uses, the less energy it requires.
B. The greater the space exploration is carried out, the more number of astronauts that
must be fed.
C. The more people requiring food, the more maximum NASA’s agricultural technology
will be.
D. The longer the space expedition is, the more NASA optimizes its farming resources.
E. The more maximum NASA farming technology becomes, the less traditional farming
will be required.

 6. From the first paragraph, it can be predicted that …

A. NASA will be more concerned with food production in space than with food
production on Earth.
B. The United Nations estimates that Earth will have to feed billions of people for a
decade.
C. The most crucial aspect of long-term space exploration will be astronaut nutrition.
D. Conventional agriculture will succeed in feeding astronauts if it is combined with
NASA’s techniques.
E. In the future, there will not be enough land for conventional agriculture.

7. How is the second paragraph related to the first paragraph?

A. Paragraph 2 exemplifies kinds of agricultural progress discussed in paragraph 1.

B. The vertical farm described in paragraph 1 is explained in detail in paragraph 2.
C. The second paragraph expands on the first paragraph’s discussion of NASA’s
agricultural method.
D. The second paragraph explains further the issues raised in the first paragraph
regarding food demands in 2050.
E. The success of the NASA farming practices mentioned in the first paragraph is
reiterated in the second paragraph.

The questions number 8–10 are based on the following passage.

Feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a bacterial organism

(called Chlamydophila felis). The most common signs of chlamydia in cats involve the
eyes or the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat), and only when infection is not
treated does it spread to the lungs. Because chlamydia lives inside cells of the body
and is not able to survive for long in the environment, spread of infection relies on
direct or close contact with an infected cat. Following infection, the incubation period
(the time between infection and development of clinical signs of disease) is between
three and ten days.

The bacteria primarily infects the conjunctiva, which are the delicate membranes
lining the eyelids and covering the edges of the eyeballs. The infection
causes inflammation known as conjunctivitis. In normal cats, the conjunctiva is not
readily visible and has a pale, salmon pink color. In cats with conjunctivitis, the
 conjunctiva becomes swollen and red, making it more visible. The nictitating
membrane or third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye may protrude partially across
the eye. One or both eyes may be involved.

Affected cats initially develop a watery discharge from the eyes that quickly becomes
thicker and is usually a yellow or greenish color. The eyes are uncomfortable and
cats often keep the affected eye(s) closed. Many cats remain bright and otherwise
appear normal, but some may develop a fever or lose their appetite. After one or two
days, sniffles and sneezing may also occur. In kittens, the infection may spread to
the lungs and cause fatal pneumonia.
Hunter, T. (n.d). Chlamydial Conjunctivitis in Cats. Taken on September 21, 2021 from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chlamydial-conjunctivitis-in-
cats.

What does the text mainly deal with?

A. The process of chlamydia affliction in cats

B. An overview of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis 
C. Clinical signs of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
D. The symptoms of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis
E. Treatments for cats with chlamydia conjunctivitis 

9. In the second paragraph, the word inflammation most nearly means ….

A. rash
B. bruise
C. scrape
D. swelling
E. soreness

10. One of the symptoms of feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is ….

A. eating disorder
B. laboured breathing 
C. low body temperature 
D. abnormal eye discharge 
E. dysfunctional eye membrane