Bilingualism, the ability to speak two languages fluently, has been the subject of much research

in recent years. While some may view bilingualism as merely a linguistic skill, studies have
shown that it offers a wide range of cognitive, social, and economic benefits.

One significant advantage of bilingualism is its positive impact on brain function. Research has
revealed that bilingual individuals often exhibit greater cognitive flexibility and problem-
solving abilities compared to monolinguals. This enhanced cognitive control is believed to
result from the constant need to switch between languages, which exercises and strengthens
the brain's executive functions.

Furthermore, bilingualism has been linked to improved language skills overall, not just in the
languages spoken. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals often have a better
understanding of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary in both their native and second languages.
This heightened linguistic awareness can lead to improved academic performance and
communication skills.

On a social level, bilingualism can facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding.

Being able to converse in multiple languages allows individuals to connect with people from
different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, fostering empathy and appreciation for diversity.

For an economic perspective, bilingualism can also provide a competitive edge in the job
market. In our increasingly globalized world, businesses value employees who can
communicate effectively with clients and partners from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Bilingual individuals may have access to a broader range of job opportunities and may
command higher salaries as a result.

In conclusion, bilingualism offers numerous benefits beyond just language proficiency. From
improved cognitive function to enhanced social and economic opportunities, being bilingual
can enrich both individual lives and society as a whole.

1 What is one significant advantage of bilingualism according to the passage?

A Increased creativity
B Enhanced cognitive
C Improved physical fitness
D Greater musical ability

2 How does bilingualism impact language skills, according to studies?

A It only improves vocabulary in the second language.
B It has no effect on grammar or syntax.
C It improves grammar, syntax, and vocabulary in both languages.
D It decreases linguistic awareness.

3 What social benefit does bilingualism offer?

A Increased isolation from other cultures
B Limited ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds
C Facilitation of cross-cultural communication and understanding
D Decreased empathy for diversity
4 How can bilingualism impact job opportunities?
A It has no effect on job prospects.
B It decreases job opportunities.
C It may lead to a broader range of job opportunities.
D It leads to lower salaries.

A story tells that two friends were walking

through the desert. During some point of the
journey they had an argument, and one friend
slapped the other one in the face.

The one who got slapped was hurt, but without

saying anything, wrote in the sand, “Today my
best friend slapped me in the face.”

They kept on walking until they found an oasis,

where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and
started drowning, but the friend saved him. After the friend recovered from the near drowning,
he wrote on a stone, “Today my best friend saved my life.”

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in
the sand, and now, you write on a stone. Why?”

The other friend replied, “When someone hurts us, we should write it down in sand where
winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we
must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

5 Question: What were they doing when one of the two friends got stuck in the mire?
A They were taking sunbathe.
B They were sleeping.
C They were talking.
D They were cleanse themselves.
E They were eating.

6 Question: The author tries to tell us that ….

A we should remember things that others do to us, including both good things and bad
things.
B we should write and carve to record different kinds of feelings.
C we should record different kinds of things in different ways.
D we should remember only favorable things others have done to us and let go dreadful
things.
E one should learn to write the hurtful things in the sand and engrave the wonderful and
beneficial things in stone.
7 Question: The underlined sentence means ….
The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved
him.
A A person who slapped his friend got stuck in the mud
B A person who slapped his friend helped his friend
C A person who was hurt was the one who helped his friend
D A person who was hurt was the one who support his friend
E A person whose best friend slapped him was the one who freed his friend

Altruism refers to animal behavior that benefits other animals of the same species. Living in the
company of other animals presents numerous drawbacks, including increased competition for
food, nest sites, and mates, and increased visibility to predators, to name just a few. We might
expect animals to strive to outdo the competition whenever possible, to take the best food and
other resources for themselves and to put other individuals between themselves and the
lurking predator.

Yet many animals are observed to act in ways that help one another: a ground squirrel,
spotting a hunting hawk, stands tall and gives a shrill alarm call, potentially drawing the hawk's
attention to itself; a lioness allows cubs that are not her own to suckle alongside her cubs; a
honeybee comes to the defense of its hive by stinging an encroacher, an act which proves fatal
to the bee. Such self-sacrificing acts of altruism require an explanation, because they seem to
contradict what we would expect in a world shaped by natural selection. If competition is the
name of the game, why should animals sometimes place the interests of another creature
before their own, even to the point of suicide?

Biologists recognize altruism when an animal, like an alarm-calling ground squirrel, sustains
some cost to its present or future reproduction by aiding another animal, whose reproductive
success is thereby given a boost. The alarm-calling squirrel presumably risks attack by calling
attention to itself; in addition, if the squirrel is watching out for predators, it will not be able to
forage or perform other activities well. Squirrels nearby can profit, however, as they scatter for
cover from the predator.

8 Question: The text mainly discusses ….

A future animal reproduction
B tight competition among animals
C how animal takes food and resources
D animal's willingness to help others
E a world where natural selection takes places

9 Question: The main idea of the last paragraph is ….

A for future reproduction squirrels need to be protected
B a squirrel may risk itself when giving warning to others
C competitions among squirrels are tight for reproductive purposes
D predator never catch squirrels looking for food in groups
E other animals find it difficult to catch an alarm-calling squirrels
10 Question: Which of the following applicants should probably be hired for the job based on an
interview in which the typical interview errors are made?
A A well-dressed, confident person following someone who appears very intelligent.
B An unconfident, well-dressed person following someone who is well-dressed and
confident.
C A well-dressed, confident person following someone who has apparent flaws.
D A confident person following a well-dressed, confident person.
E A scruffy person following an unwell-dressed person.

Experiments have shown that in selecting personnel for a job, interviewing is at best a
hindrance and may even cause harm. These studies have disclosed that the judgment of
interviewers differ markedly and bear little or no relationship to the adequacy of job applicants.
Of the many reasons why this should be the case, three in particular stand out. The first reason
is related to an error of judgment known as the halo effect. If a person has one noticeable good
trait, their other characteristics will be judged as better than they really are. Thus, an individual
who dresses smartly and show self-confidence is likely to be judged capable of doing a job well
regardless of his or her real ability. The horns effect is essentially the same error, but focuses on
one particular bad trait. Here the individual will be judged as incapable of doing a good job.
Interviewers are also prejudiced by an effect called the primacy effect. This error occurs when
interpretation of later information is distorted by earlier connected information. Hence, in an
interview situation, the interviewer spends most of the interview trying to confirm the impression
given by the candidate in the first few moments. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that
such an impression is unrelated to the aptitude of the applicant.
The phenomenon known as the contrast effect also skews the judgment of interviewers. A
suitable candidate may be underestimated because he or she contrasts with a previous one who
appears exceptionally intelligent. Likewise, an average candidate who is preceded by one who
gives a weak showing may be judged as more suitable than he or she really is.
Since interview as a form of personnel selection have been shown to be inadequate, other
selection procedures have been devised that more accurately predict candidate suitability. Of
the various tests devised, the predictor that appears to do this most successfully is cognitive
ability as measured by a variety of verbal and spatial tests.

11 Question: Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with concerning
the actions of an interviewer looking for the best applicant for a job?
A The interviewer should spend time trying to confirm a first impression.
B The interviewer should be confident and well-dressed.
C The interviewer should be aware that this process is a hindrance to finding the right
person.
D The interviewer should look for other ways to choose the best applicant.
E The interviewer should be able to find the best applicant.

12 Question: The paragraphs following the passage most likely discuss ….

A other reasons for misjudgments about applicants
B more information on the kinds of judgmental effects
C more information on tests measuring cognitive ability
D other selection procedures included in interviewing
E other information about the disadvantages of interview
 Cultural diversity refers to the presence of various cultural groups within a society, including
differences in beliefs, customs, languages, traditions, and practices. Embracing cultural diversity
is crucial for fostering tolerance, understanding, and respect among individuals and
communities.

One significant aspect of cultural diversity is its contribution to enriching societies through the
exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. When people from different cultural
backgrounds come together, they bring with them unique knowledge and insights that can lead
to innovation, creativity, and social progress.

Furthermore, cultural diversity promotes social cohesion and harmony by celebrating and
valuing the differences that exist within a community. By recognizing and respecting each
other's cultural identities, individuals can build strong and inclusive communities where
everyone feels accepted and valued for who they are.

Moreover, cultural diversity plays a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and
traditions. Each cultural group has its own rich history, stories, and customs that contribute to
the overall tapestry of human civilization. By preserving and sharing these cultural treasures,
societies can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn from and appreciate
their cultural heritage.

However, despite its benefits, cultural diversity can also give rise to challenges such as prejudice,
discrimination, and social inequality. It is essential for individuals and institutions to work
together to address these challenges and promote greater understanding and acceptance of
cultural differences.

In conclusion, cultural diversity is a source of strength and richness for societies around the
world. By embracing and celebrating the differences that exist among us, we can create more
inclusive, tolerant, and harmonious communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

13
1. What does cultural diversity refer to?
A The presence of various plant species in a society
B Differences in beliefs, customs, languages, and traditions within a society
C The number of languages spoken in a society
D The economic diversity within a society
E The understanding between people

14 How does cultural diversity contribute to enriching societies?

A By promoting social isolation
B By encouraging conformity
C By bringing unique knowledge and perspectives
D By restricting innovation
E By endorsing remoteness

15 What role does cultural diversity play in promoting social cohesion?

A It encourages exclusion and discrimination
B It celebrates and values differences within a community
C It discourages interaction between cultural groups
D It reinforces stereotypes and prejudices
E It reveals collaboration and regression
 The human brain, with an average weight of 1.4 kilograms, is the control center of the body. It
receives information from the senses, processes the information, and rapidly sends out
responses; it also stores the information that is the source of human thoughts and feelings. Each
of the three main parts of the brain – the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem – has its
own role in carrying out these functions.

The cerebrum is by far the largest of the three parts, taking up 85 percent of the brain by weight.
The outside layer of the cerebrum, the cerebral cortex, is a grooved and bumpy surface covering
the nerve cells beneath. The various sections of the cerebrum are the sensory cortex, which is
responsible for receiving and decoding sensory messages from throughout the body; the motor
cortex, which sends action instructions to the skeletal muscles; and the association cortex, which
receives, monitors, and processes information. It is in the association cortex that the processes
that allow humans to think take place.

The cerebellum, located below the cerebrum in the back part of the skull, is made of masses of
bunched up nerve cells. It is the cerebellum that control human balance, coordination, and
posture.

The brain stem, which connects the cerebrum and the spinal cord, controls various body
processes such as breathing and heartbeat. It is the major motor and sensory pathway
connecting the body and the cerebrum.

16 The author’s main purpose of this passage is ….

A to describe the functions of the parts of the brain
B to explain how the brain processes information
C to demonstrate the physical composition of the brain
D to give examples of human body functions
E to inform cerebrum and cerebellum roles

17 The sensory cortex ….

A senses that messages should be sent out to the muscle
B provides a surface covering for nerve cells
C is where human process of thinking occurs
D receives and processes information from the senses
E is made of masses of bunched up nerve cells

18 A person … very good care of the brain because it is the control center of the body.
A should takes
B should take
C should took
D should have taken
E should be taken

Cultural diversity refers to the presence of various cultural groups within a society, including
differences in beliefs, customs, languages, traditions, and practices. Embracing cultural diversity
is crucial for fostering tolerance, understanding, and respect among individuals and
communities.

One significant aspect of cultural diversity is its contribution to enriching societies through the
exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences. When people from different cultural
 backgrounds come together, they bring with them unique knowledge and insights that can lead
to innovation, creativity, and social progress.

Furthermore, cultural diversity promotes social cohesion and harmony by celebrating and
valuing the differences that exist within a community. By recognizing and respecting each
other's cultural identities, individuals can build strong and inclusive communities where
everyone feels accepted and valued for who they are.

Moreover, cultural diversity plays a vital role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and
traditions. Each cultural group has its own rich history, stories, and customs that contribute to
the overall tapestry of human civilization. By preserving and sharing these cultural treasures,
societies can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to learn from and appreciate
their cultural heritage.

However, despite its benefits, cultural diversity can also give rise to challenges such as prejudice,
discrimination, and social inequality. It is essential for individuals and institutions to work
together to address these challenges and promote greater understanding and acceptance of
cultural differences.

In conclusion, cultural diversity is a source of strength and richness for societies around the
world. By embracing and celebrating the differences that exist among us, we can create more
inclusive, tolerant, and harmonious communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

19 Why is it important to preserve cultural heritage and traditions?

A To eliminate diversity within societies
B To ensure future generations can learn from and appreciate cultural heritage
C To enforce cultural homogeneity
D To restrict cultural exchange

20 What challenges can arise from cultural diversity?

A Increased understanding and acceptance
B Prejudice, discrimination, and social inequality
C Promotion of social cohesion
D Preservation of cultural heritage
E Elevation of mutual understanding

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, and
microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems in which they live. It is essential for maintaining the
health and stability of our planet's natural systems and supporting human well-being in
numerous ways.

One key aspect of biodiversity is species diversity, which refers to the number of different species
in a given area. High levels of species diversity contribute to ecosystem resilience, as diverse
ecosystems are better able to withstand and recover from disturbances such as disease
outbreaks, climate change, and habitat destruction. In contrast, a loss of species diversity can
lead to imbalances within ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to collapse.

Biodiversity also provides a wide range of ecosystem services that are vital for human survival
and well-being. These services include air and water purification, pollination of crops, regulation
of climate, and the provision of food, medicine, and raw materials. Without biodiversity, many
 of these essential services would be compromised, leading to negative impacts on human health,
agriculture, and economies.

Despite its importance, biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats due to human activities such
as deforestation, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, and climate change. These
activities are causing species extinctions at an alarming rate, with potentially devastating
consequences for ecosystems and human societies.

Protecting and conserving biodiversity is therefore critical for safeguarding the future of our
planet and ensuring the well-being of current and future generations. This requires concerted
efforts at the local, national, and global levels to address the root causes of biodiversity loss and
promote sustainable practices that preserve and restore natural habitats and ecosystems.

21 What does biodiversity refer to?

A Only plants and animals
B Only microorganisms
C Variety of life forms on Earth
D Anything that grow from the loam
E None of the above

22 What is one consequence of a loss of species diversity?

A Increased ecosystem resilience
B Better recovery from disturbances
C Vulnerability of ecosystems to collapse
D Improved balance within ecosystems

23 Which of the following is NOT considered an ecosystem service provided by biodiversity?

A Air purification
B Water pollution
C Pollination of crops
D Regulation of climate

24 What are some of the human activities threatening biodiversity?

A Deforestation
B Conservation efforts
C Pollution reduction
D Habitat restoration
E Preservation of extinction being

The first two decades of this century were dominated by the microbe hunters. These hunters had
tracked down one after another of the microbes responsible for the most dreaded scourges of
many centuries: tuberculosis, cholera, diphtheria. But there, remained some terrible diseases for
which no microbe could be incriminated: scurvy, pellagra, rickets, beriberi. Then it was discovered
that these diseases were caused by the lack of vitamins, a trace substance in the diet. The
diseases could be prevented or cured by consuming foods that contained the vitamins. And so
in the decades of the 1920’s and 1930’s, nutrition became a science and the vitamin hunters
replaced the microbe hunters.

In the 1940’s and 1950’s, biochemists strived to learn why each of the vitamins was essential for
health. They discovered that key enzymes in metabolism depend on one or another of the
 vitamins as coenzymes to perform the chemistry that provides cells with energy for growth and
function. Now, these enzyme hunters occupied center stage.

You are aware that the enzyme hunters have been replaced by a new breed of hunters who are
tracking genes-the blueprints for each of the enzymes-and are discovering the defective genes
that cause inherited diseases-diabetes, cystic fibrosis. These gene hunters, or genetic engineers,
use recombinant DNA technology to identify and clone genes and introduce them into bacterial
cells and plants to create factories for the massive production of hormones and vaccines for
medicine and for better crops for agriculture. Biotechnology has become a multibillion-dollar
industry.

In view of the inexorable progress in science, we can expect that the gene hunters will be
replaced in the spotlight. When and by whom? Which kind of hunter will dominate the
scene in the last decade of our waning century and in the early decades of the next? I
wonder whether the hunters who will occupy the spotlight will be neurobiologists who
apply the techniques of the enzyme and gene hunters to the functions of the brain: What
to call them? The head hunters. I will return to them later.

25 What is the main topic of the passage?

A The microbe hunters
B The potential of genetic engineering
C The progress of modern medical research
D The discovery of enzymes
E The hunters

26 Which of the following can be cured by a change in diet?

A Tuberculosis
B Cholera
C Cystic fibrosis
D Pellagra
E Gene Clone

27 In the third paragraph, the author compares cells that have been genetically altered by bio
technicians to ….
A gardens
B hormone
C hunters
D spotlights
E Factories

28 With which of the following statements would the author be most likely to agree?
A The focus of medical research will change in the next two decades.
B Medical breakthroughs often depend on luck.
C Medical research throughout the twentieth century has been dominated by microbe
hunters.
D Most diseases are caused by defective genes.
E The focus of medical research will change in the next two decades.
29 The underlined word is best replaced by....
“Dramatically, littering is heading towards the decay process. The organic materials are
collected on the soil surface.” (in paragraph 2)
A gradually
B naturally
C amazingly
D surprisingly
E Simultaneously

30 What is the main idea of the passage?

A Water guarantees millions of organisms to survive in forest areas.
B Land stores and releases water through various processes.
C Litter gradually flows water to the soil surface.
D Trees store water to fulfill human daily needs.
E Forests have various benefits for human life.

31 With the sentence ‘This organism's behavior causes the soil surface to become loose and
porous’ in paragraph 3, the writer intends to ....
A describe the organism and its behavior against loose soil
B confirm the behavior of organisms in loose soil
C compare the loose soil with the porous soil
D uncover natural processes at soil erosion
E explain the causes of soil erosion

32 What most likely motivates the writer in writing the passage?

A There is an unresolved flood problem.
B People’s awareness towards reforestation is low.
C Not many people understand the benefits of water for forests.
D There is the fallacious concept that trees store large amount of water.
E The information about the importance of trees in storing water is not available.