Candidate Number Candidate Name INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM Academic Rea hour Additional materials: ‘Answer sheet for Listening and Reading Time hour INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES Do not open this question paper until you aretold to dosso. Write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page. Read the instructions for each part of the paper carefully Answer all the questions. Write your answers on the answer sheet. Use a pencil. You must complete the answer sheet within the time limit, At the end of the test, hand in both this question paper and your answer sheet. INFORMATON FOR CANDIDATES ‘There are 40 questions on this question paper. Each question carriesione mark.READING PASSAGE 1 You should spend about 20 minutes on Question 1-13 which are based on Reading Passage 1 below. Honeybees: Engineers of the Ecosystem Honeybees, classified as Apis mellifera, are not just fascinating social insects; they are pivotal in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Their contribution to the natural world extends far beyond honey production, encapsulating crucial roles in pollination and ecosystem sustainability. A typical honeybee colony, thriving in diverse environments from dense forests to urban gardens, is a testament to adaptability and efficiency. At its zenith, Such a colony can host up to 80,000 bees, each playing a vital part in its intricate hierarchy. This society is composed of the queen, numerous workers, and drones, each category fulfilling essential and distinct roles. The queen, the heart of the hive, is the only bee capable of laying eggs. Her role transcends reproduction; her pheromones regulate the hive's activities and cohesion. Workers, all sterile females, form the majority. They are the multitaskers of the hive, undertaking various duties: foraging for nectarand pollen, constructing the geometric marvels of honeycomb, regulating temperature, nurturing the young, and defending the hive. Drones, the male bees, have a singular, yet crucial role ~ mating with the queen. Post-mating, their life cycle concludes, highlighting nature's ruthless efficiency. The communication within a bee colony is a sophisticated mix of chemical, tactile, and visual signals. The ‘waggle dance’, a unique behavior where a worker bee ‘dances' to relay information about the distance and direction of food sources, exemplifies their complex communication system. Furthermore, pheromones play a crucial role in other hive-related communication, indicating the holistic nature of bee communication. Honeybees are paramount as pollinators. Their role in pollinating a wide array of plants is integral tothe survival of many ecosystems and the agricultural industry. The economic value of bees as pollinators is staggering, running into billions of dollars annually. They ensure the reproduction of plants, which in turn supports a wide range of animal life, including humans, by providing fruits, nuts, seeds, and other essential components of our diet. Despite their ecological significance, honeybee populations face severe threats. The phenomenon of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) has brought global attention to their plight. CCD, characterized by the abrupt disappearance of worker bees, has devastating effects on hives and, consequently, on pollination, leaving behind the queen and a fewnurse bees. The causes are multifaceted: environmental changes, habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and pathogens like the Varroa mite, which attacks bee larvae. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, altering the availability of flowering plants and disrupting the bees' foraging patterns. Furthermore, the impact of human activities on honeybee populations cannot be overstated. Urbanization, intensive farming practices, and the widespread use of neonicotinoids and other pesticides pose significant threats. These factors collectively contribute to habitat destruction, reduced food sources, and increased vulnerability to diseases and pests. The symbiotic relationship between honeybees and humans is ancient and vital. As such, their decline is not just an ecological crisis but also a profound challenge to human food security and natural biodiversity. The conservation of honeybee populations is imperative, requiring coordinated efforts encompassing sustainable farming practices, habitat restoration, and research into bee-friendly pesticides and disease control methodsQuestions 1-8 Do the following statements reflect the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 1? In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet write TRUE if the statement is true FALSE if the statement is false NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage 1 Honeybees, also known as Apis mellifera, play a vital role in the production of honey and have little impact on the ecosystem beyond that. 2 Ahoneybee colony can include up to 80,000 bees at its peaky with each bee assigned a specific role within the hive's social structure. 3 The queen bee's responsibilities are limited to laying eggs and she has no influence over other activities within the hives 4 Worker bees in a hive are responsible for tasks Such’as foraging, maintaining the hive's temperature, and defending against intruders. 5 Drones, the male bees in the colony, are involved in both mating with the queen and collecting nectar. 6 The ‘waggle dance’ is a form of communication used by honeybees to inform each other about potential dangers near the hive. 7 Honeybees are responsible for the pollination of a variety of plants, significantly contributing to global food security and environmental health. 8 Colony Collapse Disorder is primarily caused by the use of certain pesticides and has'no relation to other factors such as habitat loss or climate change.Questions 9-13 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer. Honeybees The communication system within a bee colony involves dance, known as the 'waggle dance,’ and 9 to convey information about food sources and hive-felated matters. Worker bees in the hive undertake various duties including regulating the 10 smnnneeny CONStFUCting geometric honeycombs, and nurturing the young. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) involves the sudden disappearance of worker bees, leaving behind the 11... .. and a few nurse bees. The passage mentions that climate change alters the availability of 12... Plants, affecting the foraging patterns of honeybees. Conservation efforts for honeybees include sustainable farming practices, 23. restoration, and research into bee-friendly pesticides.READING PASSAGE 2 You should spend about 20 minutes on Question 14 ~ 27 which are based on Reading Passage 2 below. The Evolution of Telecommunication Telecommunication, the art and science of transmitting signals over a distance to communicate, has undergone a remarkable evolution, shaping and being shaped by the tides of human innovation al needs. This journey, a testament to human ingenuity, spans and so several centuries and encompasses a range of technologies, each a milestone in its own right. The earliest forms of telecommunication were primitive yet ingenious. Indigenous tribes across continents like Africa, Asia, and the Americas used smoke signals, drumbeats, and other rudimentary methods for conveying information over distances. These methods, although limited in scope and efficiencyylaid the foundational concept of distant communication, The 19th century heralded a seismic shift with the advent of the electrical telegraph’ Invented in the 1830s, it revolutionized long-distance communication by transmitting messages through a system of electrical signals. Samuel Morse’s development of the Morse code, a series of dots and dashes representing letters and numbers, was pivotal. Telegraphy, as it came to be known, became the backbone of long-distance communication, especially beneficial for railroad safety and journalistic reporting. Following the telegraph, Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone in 1876 marked a watershed moment. This device enabledireal-time voice communiéation over, wires, transforming both personal and business ‘communications. The telephone’s evolution from alluxury item toa household necessity over the next century signified its profound impact on daily life, The 20th century was a period of rapid advancement in telecommunication. The development of radio and television broadcasting introduced wireless ‘communication, a revolutionary concept that allowed information to be transmitted through electromagnetic, waves. This era also witnessed the emergence of satellites, which played a crucial role in intercontinental ‘communication. However, the most transformative development of this era was the advent of digital communication. The creation of the Internet in the late 20th century inaugurated a new epoch in the history of telecommunications. The Internet, a global network of interconnected computers, allowed for the rapidtransmission of vast amounts of data and multimedia content, eradicating geographical barriers and creating a global village. Simultaneously, the proliferation of mobile technology marked another significant milestone. Cell phones, evolving from bulky and expensive devices to sleek and multifunctional smartphones, revolutionized communication by enabling connectivity from virtually any location. This shift to mobile communication signified a new era of personal connectivity and accessibility. Today, telecommunications is an intricate part of the global infrastructure, vital for various facets of, modern society and the economy. It encompasses a wide array of technologies, from traditional telephony to broadband Internet services, and plays a pivotal role in fields such as healthcare, education, and governance. The future of telecomminication is poised for even greater breakthroughs. The advent of 56 technology promises unprecedented ’data transmission speeds and reliability, paving the way for innovative applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and advanced telemedicine. Furthermore, ongoing research in quantum communication and deep- space communication signals the next frontier in telecommunication, potentially revolutionizing our understanding and capability in transmitting information. The evolution of telecommunication is a saga of human progress, marked by a relentless quest for improved connectivity. From the rudimentary drumbeats of ancient tribes to the sophisticated digital networks of today, each advancement has brought the world closer, making information and ‘communication seamless and instantaneous. As we stand on the brink of new discoveries and innovations, the future of telecommunication holds endless possibilities, promising to further diminish the distances between Us and redefine the way we share information and connect with each other.Question 14-19 Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage. Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS/OR A NUMBER from the Reading Passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 14-19 on your answer sheet. 14 1s 16 Ww 18 19 The earliest forms of telecommunication used by indigenous tribes included and drumbeats. The electrical telegraph, invented in the ... in long-distance communication ., Was a major advancement Samuel Morse developed a system of coded signals known as\. transmit messages via the telegraph. The invention of the in the late 19th century allowed for direct conversation over long distances. The development of broadcasting in the 20th century was a key milestone in the history of telecommunication, enabling information to be transmitted through electromagnetic waves. The future of telecommunication may see advancements in .. which promises faster data transmission speeds. .. technology, Question 20-25 Do the following statements reflect the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 2? In boxes 20-25 ofyour answer sheet write 20 2 22 TRUE if the statement is true FALSE if the statement is false NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage Telegraphy, using Morse code, was the first form of long-distance communi Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in the early 19th century. The development of radio and television marked the beginning of wireless communication23 Mobile phones have remained relatively unchanged in design and functionality since their inception. 24 The Internet was primarily responsible for the global shift in telecommunication during the late 20th century. 25 Future advancements in telecommunication may include the development of deep-space communication 26 Smoke signals and drumbeats were efficient methods for conveying ¢omplex and detailed information over long distances. Question 27 Choose the correct letter A, B, Cor D. Write your answer in box 27 on your answer sheet, Which of the following statements is true according to thé passage? A The telephone was the first technology to allow real-time voice ‘communication over a distance. B Digital communication began with the invention of the telegraph in the 1830s. C The introduction ofthe Internet and mobile technology occurred simultaneously in the late 20th century. D_ Satellite communication played a crucial role in the development of intercontinental communication.10 READING PASSAGE 3 You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28-40 which are based on Reading Passage 3 below. Psychology of new product adoption A In today’s hypercompetitive marketplace, companies that successfully introduce new products are more likely to flourish than those that don’t. businesses spend billions of dollars making better “mousetraps” only to find consumers roundly rejecting them. Studies show that new products fail at the stunning rate of between 40% and 90%) depending on the category, and the odds haven't changed much in the past 25 years. In the U.S. packaged goods industry, for instance, companies introduce 30,000 products every year, but 70% to 90% of them don’t stay on store shelves for more than 12 months. Most innovative products ~ those that create new product categories or revolutionize old ones ~ are also unsuccessful. According to one study, 47% of first movers have failed, meaning that approximately half the companies that pioneered new product categories later pulled out of those businesses. B After the fact, experts and novices alike'tend to dismiss unsuccessful innovations as bad ideas that were destined to fail. Why do consumers fail to buy innovative products even when they offer distinct improvements over existing ones? Why do companies invariably have more faith in new products than is warranted? Few would question the objective advantages of many innovations over existing alternatives, but that’s often not enough for them to succeed. To understand why new products fail to live up to companies’ expectations, we must delve into the psychology of behavior change. C New products often require consumers to change their behavior. As companies know, those behavior changes entail costs. Consumers costs, such as the activation fees they have to pay when'they switch from one cellular service provider to another. They also bear learning costs, such as when they shift from manual to automatic automobile transmissions. People sustain obsolescence costs, too. For example, when they switch from VCR8 to DVD players, their videotape collections become useless. All of these are economic switching costs that most companies routinely anticipate. D What businesses don’t take into account, however, are the psychological costs associated with behavior change. Many products fail because of a universal, but largely ignored, psychological bias: People irrationally overvalue benefits they currently possess relative to those they don’t. The bias leads consumers to value the advantages of products they own more than the benefits of new ones. It also leads executives to valuea the benefits of innovations they've developed over the advantages of incumbent products. E Companies have long assumed that people will adopt new products that deliver more value or utility than existing ones. Thus, businesses need only to develop innovations that are objectively superior to incumbent products, and consumers will have sufficient incentive to purchase them. In the 1960s, communications scholar Everett Rogers called the concept “relative advantage” and identified it as the most critical driver of new-product adoption. This argument assumes that companies make unbiased assessments of innovations and of consumers, likelihood of adopting them. Although compelling, the theory has one major flaw: It fails to capture the psychological biases that affect decision making. F In 2002, psychologist Daniel Kahneman won the Nobel Prize in economics for a body of work that explores why and when individuals deviate from rational economic behavior. One of the cornerstones of that research, developed with psychologist Amos Tversky, is how individuals value prospects, or choices, in the Marketplace. Kahneman and Tversky showed, and others have confirmed, that human beings’ responses to the alternatives before they have four distinct characteristics. G First, people evaluate the attractiveness of'an alternative based not on its objective, or actual, value but on its subjective, or perceived value. Second, consumers evaluate new products or investments relative to a reference point, usually the products they already own or consume, Third, people view any improvements relative to this reference point as gains and treat all shortcomings as losses. Fourth, and most important, losses have a far greater impact on people than similarly sized gains, a phenomenon that Kahineman and Tversky called “loss aversion.” For instance, studies show that most'people will not accept a bet in which there is a 50% chance of winning $100 and a 50% chance of losing $100. The gains from the wager must outweigh the losses bya factor of between two and three before most people find such a bet attractive. Similarly, a survey of 1,500 customers of Pacific Gas and Electric revealed that consumers demand three to four times more compensation to endure a power outage ~ and suffer a loss — than they are willing to pay to avoid the problem, a potential gain. As Kahneman and Tversky wrote, “losses loom larger than gains.” H Loss aversion leads people to value products that they already possess — those that are part of their endowment - more than those they don’t have. According to behavioral economist Richard Thaler, consumers value what they own, but many have to give up, much more than they value what they don’t own but could obtain. Thaler called that bias the “endowment effect.”2 1 Ina 1990 paper, Thaler and his colleagues describe a series of experiments they conducted to measure the magnitude of the endowment effect. In one such experiment, they gave coffee mugs to a group of people, the Sellers, and asked at what price point ~ from 25 cents to $9.25 ~ the Sellers would be willing to part with those mugs. They asked another group ~ the Choosers - to whom they didn’t give coffee mugs, to indicate whether they would choose the mug or the money at each price point. In objective terms, all the Sellers and Choosers were in the same situation: They were choosing between a mug and a sum of money. In one trial of this experiment, the Sellers priced the mug at $7.12, on average, but the Choosers were willing to pay only $3.12. In another trial, the Sellers and the Choosers valued the mug at $7.00 and $3.50, respectively. Overall, the Sellers always demanded at least twice ag much to give up the mugs as the Choosers would pay to obtain them. J Kahneman and Tversky’s research also explains why’people tend to stick with what they have even if a better alternative exists. In a 1989 paper, Economist Jack Knetsch provided a compelling demonstration of what economists William Samuelson and Richard Zeckhauser called the “status quo bias” Knetsch asked one group of students to choose between an attractive coffee mug and a large bar of Swiss chocolate. He gave a second group of students the coffee mugs but a short time later allowed each student to exchange his or her mug for achocolate bar. Finally, Knetsch gave chocolate bars to a third group of students but much later allowed each student to exchange his or her bar for a mug. Of the students given @ choice at the outset, 56% chose the mug, and 44% chose the chocolate barindicating anear even split in preferences between the two products. Logically, therefore, about half of the students to whom Knetsch gave the coffee mug should have traded for the chocolate bar and vice versa. That didn’t happen. Only 11% of the students who had been given the mugs and 10% of those who had been given the chocolate bars wanted to exchange their products. To approximately 90% of the students, giving up'what they already had seemed like a painful loss and shrank their desire totrade. K Interestingly, most people seem oblivious to the existence of the behaviors implicit in the endowment effect and the status quo bias. In study after study, when researchers presented people with evidence that they had irrationally overvalued the status quo, they were shocked, skeptical, and more than a bit defensive. These behavioral tendencies are universal, but awareness of them is not.B Questions 28 - 31 Use the information in the passage to match the deed (listed A-C) with people below. Write the appropriate letters A-C in boxes 28-31 on your answer sheet. NB You may use any letter more than once 28 29 30 31 A. Richard Thaler B Everett Rogers CKahneman and Tversky stated a theory which bears potential fault in the application decided the consumers’ several behavior features when they face other options generalised that customers value more of their possession they are going to abandon for a purpose than alternative they are going'to swap in answered the reason why people don’t replace-existing products Questions 32 - 36 Do the following statements reflect the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 3? In boxes 32-36 on your answer sheet write 32 33 34 35 36 TRUE ifthe statement is true FALSE if the statement is false NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage The products of innovations which beat existing alternatives can guarantee a successful market share. The fact that most companies recognised the benefits of switching to new products guarantees a successful innovation Gender affects the loss and gain outcome in the real market place. Endowment-effect experiment showed there was a huge gap between the seller’s, anticipation and the chooser’s offer. Customers accept the fact peacefully when they are revealed the status quo bias.4 Questions 37-40 Choose the correct letter, A, B, Cor D. Write your answers in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet. 37 What does paragraph A illustrated in the business creative venture? A c D above 70% of products stored in the warehouse only US packaged goods industry affected roughly half of new product business failed new products have a long life span. 38 What do specialists and freshers tend to think how a product sold well A B c D ‘as more products stored on a shelf being creative and innovative enough having more chain stores learning from a famous company|like Webvan 39 According to this passage, a number of products fail because of the following reason: A B c D they ignore the'fact that people tend to overvalue the product they own. they are not confident with their products they are familiar with people’s psychology state they forget to mention the advantages of products 40 What does the experiment of “status quo bias” suggest which conducted by Nobel prizé winner Kahneman and Tversky: A about half of them are willing to change student is always to welcome new items 90% of both owners in a neutral position only 10% of chocolate bar owner is willing to swap