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LITERACY - READING

COMPREHENSION

Read the following passages and answer the questions with the correct answer!
Text 1 (Questions No 1-7)
Opinion Thread: Which one is more recommended before seeing a movie: reading reviews
or watching trailers?
Elena Rodriguez As a director, I believe in preserving the purity of the cinematic
experience. Reading reviews or watching trailers beforehand can
colour your perception and hinder the raw emotions intended by the
filmmaker. Embrace the unknown and let the story unfold
organically on the big screen.
Simon Chang From an editing standpoint, trailers often reveal key plot points,
potentially spoiling the suspense. However, judiciously reading
reviews can provide insights into the film’s technical prowess and
thematic depth, enhancing appreciation without spoiling the surprise.
Balance is key; avoid spoilers but seek informed opinions.
Natalie Johnson Personally, I enjoy dissecting trailers for hints of cinematography
and narrative arcs, but I draw the line at reading reviews that divulge
too much. A glimpse is enticing, but spoilers are a buzzkill. Approach
with caution, savour the anticipation, but preserve the element of
surprise.
David Thompson I find trailers offer a sneak peek, igniting excitement for upcoming
releases. However, diving too deep into reviews risks setting
unrealistic expectations or spoiling the fun. A cursory glance at
ratings suffices ; let the movie speak for itself without
preconceptions.
Sophie Evans For someone like me who rarely watches movies, reviews and
trailers are essential for gauging whether a film aligns with my
interests. However, excessive analysis detracts from the joy of
discovery. Strike a balance between informed decision-making and
preserving the magic of spontaneity.
Michael Lee Frankly, I’m clueless about the whole reviews vs. trailers debate. I
usually just go with my gut or tag along with friends’ choices. But
hey, maybe I’ll start paying more attention to what the critics say;
could save me from a few duds!

1. How does reading movie reviews d It could save them from


benefit moviemakers in any way creating subpar films in the
according to Simon Chang? future.
a It helps them gauge viewers’ e It can hinder raw emotions
interest in potential films. intended by filmmakers.
b It fosters deeper 2. Which pair of commentators are
appreciation for their films’ more likely to work in the film
technical finesse. industry?
c It helps viewers get a Sophie Evans and Simon
enthusiastic about their Chang
upcoming movies. b Elena Rodriguez and
Michael Lee
LITERACY - READING
COMPREHENSION

c Simon Chang and Elena b He could avoid bad movies


Rodriguez and save a few dollars.
d Michael Lee and Natalie c He could save himself from
Johnson critics’ opinions.
e Elena Rodriguez and d He could avoid bumping
Natalie Johnson into a few dudes at the
3. Which of the following opinions is cinema.
FALSE in the opinion thread? e He could save some dudes
a Reading too much into from watching bad movies.
movie reviews could spoil 6. Which commentator seems to
the fun. dismiss both trailers and reviews
b Excessive analysis on a altogether and why?
movie takes away from the a Simon Chang; because they
joy of discovery. enhance viewers’
c It is better to watch a movie appreciation without
without any preconceptions spoiling the surprise
of what it is about. b Elena Rodriguez; because
d Listening to what the critics either of the two can
say could consistently save influence the viewers’
someone from watching perception and hinder raw
poorly-made films. emotions
e Movie reviews and trailers c Sophie Evans; because they
can help viewers gauge if a detract from the joy of
movie is aligned with their discovery
interests. d Michael Lee; because they
4. The word “dissecting” in Natalie could save the viewers’ from
Johnson’s post is best replaced by watching bad movies
…. e Natalie Johnson; because
a dismembering they can be a buzzkill which
b investigating leaves room no room for
c assembling anticipation
d inspecting 7. How many commentators agree that
e analysing balance matters when it comes to
5. What does Michael Lee mean when the debate between reading reviews
he said “... could save me from a and watching trailers?
few duds!” in his commentary? a two
a He could save himself from b three
watching poorly-made c four
movies. d five
e six
Text 2 (Questions No 8-14)
TEXT 1
Urban foraging is about more than finding cool plants and living the #cottagecore aesthetic —
it's an opportunity to reassess how we access food in a world defined by a climate crisis that
equally affects natural environments and global food production. The practice may not be top
LITERACY - READING
COMPREHENSION

of mind when discussing our food's impact on climate change, but as Emery explained, urban
foraging rests at "the intersection of climate change, climate justice, food security, and food
sovereignty," as it highlights the need for socially-conscious urban planning, urban green
spaces populated by local plants, and universal access to nutritional foods. The practice doesn't
promise an overarching solution to global climate change, which demands corporate
accountability and government action. Individual action alone isn't sufficient enough to
alleviate the problems of climate change and food insecurity.
Still, "hyper-local" practices like urban foraging could offer temporary solutions for
communities waiting on large-scale changes and encourage individuals to consider their
connection to the food, land, and community around them. "Foragers who forage the same
species and, in particular, the same species in the same location year after year, observe at a
very fine scale the effects of climate change on the landscape," Emery explained. The local
practice also has global implications — studies have shown that continued climate change will
exacerbate food insecurity around the world, and disproportionately impacts global
communities of colour.
Foraging offers a way to address the local repercussions of failed resource allocation, like food
insecurity (the lack of nutritious foods to maintain a healthy diet) and food apartheid (unequal
access to healthy foods and supermarkets, created by systemic barriers in poor neighbourhoods
or communities of colour). And it makes a case to reassess how land is used in the city's
"greening" initiatives. When cities consider repurposing what Emery calls "impervious
surfaces" (like former industrial spaces) into environmentally friendly green space, "there's a
real opportunity to think in terms of species that can provide food to people," Emery said.
Reintroducing native plants helps preserve biodiversity, and prioritizing those that are edible
can help feed growing populations..
TEXT 2
I am now celebrating my 10th year as a forager, and I can tell you the yield is bountiful. On my
shelves at the moment are sloe gin (infused with sloe berries, a fruit of the blackthorn bush),
acorn schnapps, elderflower cordial, nettle pesto, rosehip ice cream, blackberry jam, dried wild
mushrooms, and wild hop beer—all homemade and hand-picked from the streets, parks, and
waterways of London.
Foragers in the U.S. find an equal bounty—mulberry in Pennsylvania; loquats and kumquats
in California; apples, pears, and plums in Wisconsin. Foraging can be both superlative and
extreme. Florida-based environmentalist Rob Greenfield, for example, spent a year foraging or
growing everything he ate, from grapefruit plucked from a neighbouring tree to daikon radish
cultivated in his own garden.
I have not always spent my days rifling through hedgerows, long grass, backstreets, and
woodlands in search of wild food for Michelin-starred restaurants, markets, breweries, and
supermarkets in London. For many years I worked as a deep-sea fisherman in my hometown
of Tenby in southwest Wales. But after years of getting up in the middle of the night to head
out into the dark, frigid Irish Sea, I decided it was time for a change. Back on land, I trained
and worked as a tree surgeon for three years—which opened my eyes to all things wild and
foraged.
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In my opinion, everybody should be able to experience the benefits of foraging, especially now
at a time when panic buyers often empty local supermarket shelves and stay-at-home orders
limit travel. Foraging connects us with nature in a way that is healing mentally and physically
in times of stress and anxiety. With fewer cars on the roads and people rushing past, and less
noise pollution, now is the time to become more familiar with your natural environment.
8. What does the pronoun "it" refer to socially conscious urban
in the sentence below? planning.
”The practice may not be top of e Urban foraging intersects
mind when discussing our food's with issues such as climate
impact on climate change, but as change, food security, and
Emery explained, urban foraging social justice.
rests at "the intersection of climate 11. What is the main idea of Text 2?
change, climate justice, food a Foraging offers benefits and
security, and food sovereignty.” as connections to nature in
it highlights the need for socially- times of stress.
conscious urban planning, urban b Foraging is an outdated
green spaces populated by local practice that should be
plants, and universal access to avoided.
nutritional foods.” c Foraging is primarily a
a Climate change means of obtaining food for
b Food sovereignty Michelin-starred
c Urban foraging restaurants.
d Emery d Foraging is only feasible for
e Urban planning those living in rural areas.
9. What is the tone of Text 1? e Foraging is a dangerous
a. Cynical activity that should be left to
b. Analytical experts.
c. Casual 12. What does the phrase “superlative
d. Humorous and extreme” mean in the sentence
e. Reflective below?
10. Which of the following is TRUE ”Foraging can be both superlative
about urban foraging according to and extreme.”
Text 1? a typically mundane and
a Urban foraging is primarily unremarkable
focused on finding cool b average quality and
plants for aesthetic difficulty
purposes. c limited interest in nature
b Urban foraging is solely an d exceptionally rewarding and
individual action with no challenging
broader implications. e a leisure activity with little
c Urban foraging has no value
impact on biodiversity 13. Why did the author of Text 2 decide
preservation. to become a forager?
d Urban foraging does not a They sought a new
require the consideration of challenge after feeling
LITERACY - READING
COMPREHENSION

dissatisfied with their b Both texts highlight the


previous career. dangers of climate change
b They got exposed to wild and its impact on global
and foraged things while food production.
working as a tree surgeon c Both texts explore the
for three years. practice of foraging and its
c They aimed to impress connection to environmental
Michelin-starred restaurants awareness and social issues.
with their wild food d Text 1 provides recipes and
discoveries. tips for novice foragers
d They were motivated by a interested in exploring wild
family tradition of foraging foods while Text 2 talks
passed down through about the implications of
generations. urban foraging.
e They were influenced e Text 1 analyses the
by a documentary economic impact of
highlighting the benefits of foraging on local
foraging for health. communities and markets
14. What is the relationship between while Text 2 highlights the
Text 1 and Text 2? dangers of climate change
a Both texts discuss the and its impact on global
benefits of urban foraging food production.
for mental health and well-
being.
Text 3 (Questions No 15-20)
TEXT 1
The chemical reaction that results in bioluminescence requires two unique chemicals: luciferin
and either luciferase or photoprotein. Luciferin is the compound that actually produces light.
In a chemical reaction, luciferin is called the substrate. The bioluminescent colour (yellow in
fireflies, greenish in lanternfish) is a result of the arrangement of luciferin molecules. Some
bioluminescent organisms produce (synthesize) luciferin on their own. Dinoflagellates, for
instance, bioluminescence in a bluish-green colour. Bioluminescent dinoflagellates are a type
of plankton—tiny marine organisms that can sometimes cause the surface of the ocean to
sparkle at night.
Some bioluminescent organisms do not synthesize luciferin. Instead, they absorb it through
other organisms, either as food or in a symbiotic relationship. Some species of midshipman
fish, for instance, obtain luciferin through the "seed shrimp" they consume. Many marine
animals, such as squid, house bioluminescent bacteria in their light organs. The bacteria and
squid have a symbiotic relationship. Luciferase is an enzyme. An enzyme is a chemical (called
a catalyst) that interacts with a substrate to affect the rate of a chemical reaction. The interaction
of the luciferase with oxidized (oxygen-added) luciferin creates a by-product, called
oxyluciferin. More importantly, the chemical reaction creates light. Bioluminescent
dinoflagellates produce light using a luciferin-luciferase reaction. The luciferase found in
dinoflagellates is related to the green chemical chlorophyll found in plants.
LITERACY - READING
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Bioluminescent dinoflagellate ecosystems are rare, mostly forming in warm-water lagoons


with narrow openings to the open sea. Bioluminescent dinoflagellates gather in these lagoons
or bays, and the narrow opening prevents them from escaping. The whole lagoon can be
illuminated at night. Biologists identified a new bioluminescent dinoflagellate ecosystem in the
Humacao Natural Reserve, Puerto Rico, in 2010. Most bioluminescent reactions involve
luciferin and luciferase. Some reactions, however, do not involve an enzyme (luciferase). These
reactions involve a chemical called a photoprotein. Photoproteins combine with luciferins and
oxygen, but need another agent, often an ion of the element calcium, to produce light.
Bioluminescence is not the same thing as fluorescence, however. Florescence does not involve
a chemical reaction. In fluorescence, a stimulating light is absorbed and re-emitted. The
fluorescing light is only visible in the presence of the stimulating light. The ink used in
highlighter pens is fluorescent. Phosphorescence is similar to fluorescence, except the
phosphorescent light is able to re-emit light for much longer periods of time. Glow-in-the-dark
stickers are phosphorescent.
TEXT 2
Bioluminescence, or the ability of an organism to create light, is one of nature’s most amazing
phenomena, seemingly drawn more from science fiction than science and natural history. While
relatively rare on land, bioluminescence is very common in the ocean, at least in the pelagic
zone (the water column), where 80 percent of the animals that live between 200 and 1,000
meters (656 and 3,280 feet) depth are bioluminescent. Bioluminescence is most common
among fish, squid, and what we call the gelatinous zooplankton – jellyfish, siphonophores,
comb jellies, and other animals that are mostly made of water.
While usually blue in colour, because this is the light that travels best through the water,
bioluminescence can range from nearly violet to green-yellow (and very occasionally red). All
bioluminescent organisms use a reaction between an enzyme and a substrate to make light, but
different species use different chemicals in the process, suggesting that the ability to make light
may have evolved independently many times.
Deep-ocean environments are almost completely dark; yet light is still important in these
environments. Thus, bioluminescence may provide a survival advantage in the darkness of the
deep sea, helping organisms find food, assisting in reproductive processes, and providing
defensive mechanisms … but we don’t really know the main purpose or function of
bioluminescence. In fact, although many marine species are able to produce this “living light,”
much about bioluminescence remains a mystery. For example, scientists have yet to learn why
bioluminescence is common in the ocean water column but not in freshwater systems or on
land or even how bioluminescence evolved.
Thus, bioluminescence is a subject with many more questions than answers.
15. What could be an appropriate b. Examples of bioluminescent
continuation of Text 1 immediately organisms found in different
after the last paragraph? oceanic regions
a. A discussion on the c. Techniques used by
evolution of bioluminescent researchers to
traits in marine organisms study
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bioluminescence in marine 19. What is the main idea of Text 1?


ecosystems a Bioluminescence
d. The exploration of primarily relies on the
potential presence of luciferase
biomedical enzymes in marine
applications of organisms.
bioluminescent compounds b The chemical reactions
e. An analysis of the impact of responsible for
human activities on bioluminescence
bioluminescent ecosystems involve various
16. Which of the following is NOT compounds and are
mentioned as a component of the prevalent in marine
chemical reaction related to ecosystems.
bioluminescence? c The diverse colours
a Luciferin emitted by
b Photoprotein bioluminescent
c Chlorophyll organisms in different
d Luciferase environments.
e Oxyluciferin d The rarity of
17. According to Text 2, which of the bioluminescent
following is TRUE about ecosystems is attributed
bioluminescence in the ocean? to the absence of
a Bioluminescence is luciferin synthesis in
most commonly found marine environments.
in freshwater systems. e The similarities between
b Bioluminescence is bioluminescence and
prevalent in the pelagic fluorescence in various
zone of the ocean. organisms.
c Bioluminescence 20. What is the relationship between
primarily occurs in Text 1 and Text 2?
terrestrial environments. a Text 1 discusses the
d Bioluminescent physical characteristics
organisms in the ocean of bioluminescent
always emit light in red organisms, while Text 2
hues. examines their
e Bioluminescence in the evolutionary origins.
ocean is primarily b Text 1 provides
associated with land- examples of
based organisms. bioluminescent
18. What is the overall tone of Text 2? reactions, while Text 2
a Optimistic explores the functions
b Humorous and purposes of
c Critical bioluminescence.
d Informative c Text 1 explains the
e Pessimistic chemical components
and mechanisms of
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bioluminescence, while organisms and their


Text 2 discusses its ecological roles.
prevalence and e Both texts discuss the
distribution in different differences between
environments. bioluminescence,
d Both texts talk about the fluorescence, and
diversity of phosphorescence.
bioluminescent

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