Soal Asli

RBB 2022
Reading Section
READING SECTION
This section is designed to measure your ability to read and understand short passages similar in
topic and style to those found in universities and colleges. Each passage is followed by a number of
questions about the material.

Direction : In this section you will read several passages. Each one is followed by a number of
questions about it. You are to choose the one best answer, (a), (b), (c), and (d), to each question.
Answer all questions following the passage on the basis or what is stated or implied in the passage.

Example :

Read the following passage :

Nitrogen fixation is a process by which nitrogen is continuously fed into biological circulation. In this
process, certain algae and bacteria convert nitrogen into ammonia (NH 3). This newly created
ammonia is then for the most part absorbed by plants.

The opposite process of denitrification returns nitrogen to the air. During the process of
denitrification, bacteria cause some of the nitrates from the soil t convert into gaseous nitrogen or
nitrous oxide (N2O). In this gaseous from the nitrogen returns to the atmosphere.

Example :

Which of the following could be best title for this passage ?

a. The Process of Nitrogen Fixation
b. The Return of Nitrogen to the Air
c. Two Nitrogen Processes
d. The Effect of Nitrogen on Plant Life

Sample Answer (C)

According t the passage, there are two nitrogen processes which are nitrogen fixation and nitrogen
denitrification. So, the answer for this question is c.
Text 1

Silk scarves, silk dresses, and silk ties are all in high demand around the world. Silk has long
been a sought-after commodity, dating back to 3500 B.C. in China. Silk quickly spread throughout
Asia and, eventually, the world due to its popularity in luxury clothing items. People would never
guess such a valuable material came from small, white worms.
The mulberry silkworm , Bombyx mori, is famous for producingthe prized textile. Northern
Thailand is famous for its silkworm farms, where locals collet the silk from thousands of worms and
weave it into beautiful fabrics that are sold all over the world. The entire process can be very time-
consuming, but the selling price of silk can be very high, so the time spent on silk processing is
deemed worthwhile.
Silkwormsbegin to feed on mulberry leaves as soon as they emerge from their small eggs in
order to built weight. Silkworms must multiply their size 10.000 times before they can develop into
silk-producing larvae. If they were humans, they would each weigh 70.000 pounds by the time they
were a month old. they are ready t begin building a cocoon around themselves after 40 days and
nights of eating these fresh, hand-picked leaves. In fact, each silk cocoon is created from a single
long strand of worm spit that spans about half a mile, or nearly a kilometer. The worms require
three to four days to complete the cocoons are gathered and boiled in water for about five minutes-
yes, the worm is still inside the cocoon,
which numerous animal advocates object to because the boiling kills the insect
. After soaking, manufacturers use a small needle to detect strands and spin
many together to create one silk thread. Clearly, it’s time-consuming and exhausting process.
To appease activists, researchers attempted to take silk strands from living silk worms, but the
worms resisted and gripped the strands even tighter, causing them to break. Researchers discovered
that when a silkwormis damaged, it enters a state of self-imposed paralysis since moving would
aggravate the lesion They discovered the exact chemical that causes this paralysis at Oxford
University in England in order to inject it into worms to temporarily restrict their movement. The
paralysis, however, does not imply that the insects are mindless; experts believe the worms are
semi-conscious in this state, implying that they are aware of their involuntary paralysis. As a result,
the two possibilities for silk manufacturing are to either boil the worms alive or paralyze them briefly
while manufacturers extract the strands of their cocoon.
Despite the minor controversy surrounding silk extraction, the silk business is thriving. Every
year, China manufactures 58.000 tons of silk. Jim Thompson, a Thai-based company, is one of the
world’s most prominent silk brands. Thompson, a native of Delaware, studied architecture in the
mid-1920s before joining the United States army in the early 1940s in reaction to the outbreak of
World War II. He was quickly appointed to the Office of Strategic Services (later to become the CIA)
and explored the world, including Thailand, where he fell in love with the people and their nation.
There were few hotels in Bangkok’s capital that catered to international guests, and Thompson
believed that with the increase of leisure travel, the Far East would become a desirable destination
for Westerners. He returned to Thailand after being discharged from the military in 1946 to start his
own silk business.
Silk was mostly manufactured in the northeast of Thailand at the time, but production was
declining due to the time-consuming collection method. Thompson was keen to resurrect the firm,
so he returned to New York City in 1947 with a variety of silk threads to see if the product would be
marketable to overseas buyers. He received a favorable reaction, and the Jim Thompson Silk
Company was established in 1948.
The revival of the silk industryis due to Jim Thompson. After his company was founded, silk
costumes quickly started to appear in Broadway plays and well-known movies like Ben Hur, and Thai
royalty, including Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, started wearing silk frequently. Since the silk industry
continues to employ thousands of Thai people today, many people attribute his contributions to the
Thai economy as a whole. The success of Jim Thompson is not unexpected. But there’s little doubt
that his kidnapping on March 26, 1967, is one of them. Thompson visited friends in Malaysia while
there and strolled through the forest in the late afternoon. He was never located despite the efforts
of the Royal Army Air Corps and British soldiers. Numerous theories concerning his disappearance
have been made, but none have been proven.

1. What is this passage mostly about ?

a. Silk production and the revival of the silk industry
b. How the silk industry proved the Thai economy
c. The argument of animal activists against silk production
d. The mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson

2. The process of extracting silk from silkworm cocoons has caused controversy.
What evidence from the passage best supports this conclusion ?
a. The two options for silk extraction are to boil the worms alive or temporarily paralyze them
b. Researchers have attempted to extract silk from living silkworms, but this has been less
successful
c. Researchers have found that when a silkworm is injured, it enters a state of self-imposed
paralysis
d. Animal activists disapprove of the boiling method of extraction, because it kills the
silkworm

3. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT TRUE about silkworms ?
a. Silkworms would weigh 70.000 pounds after a month as humans
b. The silkworm spins a cocoon around itself using one long string of spit
c. A soon as silkworms’ tiny eggs hatch, they begin to feed on leaves to produce silk
d. The silkworm eats leaves for a month to gain weight

4. Which of the following can be inferred from the paragraph about the silk industry in
Thailand ?
a. Thailand was the first country to produce silk up to 58.000 tons per year
b. Jim Thompson was the first company to produce silk brands in Thailand
c. After 1948, the silk industry was thriving rapidly
d. The silk industry was protested because it employed thousands of Thai people

5. “it enters a state of self-imposed paralysis …..” The pronoun ‘it’ in paragraph 4 refers to …..
a. Silk strand
b. Cocoon
c. Silkworm
d. Researcher

6. The word “aggravate” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to …..

a. soothe
 b. support
c. irritate
d. delight

7. Why was silk production in Thailand on the decline after World War II ?
a. Because the product was no longer marketable to foreign consumers
b. Because of the tediousness of the collection process
c. Because of the disappearance of silk industry leader, Jim Thompson
d. Because of the controversy over the silk extraction process from animal rights activists

8. The purpose of this passage is to …..

a. Discuss the development of the world’s silk industry
b. Describe Jim Thompson as the first influencer in the silk industry
c. Tell about the resurrection of the silk industry
d. Explain how the silk industry improved the Thai economy

9. What does the world “extract” in paragraph 4 most nearly mean ?

a. Put something into a container
b. Soak something in the water
c. Break or destroy something
d. Pull out or remove something

Text 2

Dwight Edmonds was born on September 9, 19 393. In 1953, he enlisted in the United States
Air Force to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He graduated from Arizona State University with a
degree in engineering. Then, out of many applicants, President John F. Kennedy’s administration
chose him to train as the first African American astronaut . Ed Dwight quickly became well-known;
everyone knew who he was. His image appeared in numerous magazines around the world.
Ed Dwight’s path to becoming an astronaut was not easy. Unfortunately, he encountered a
great deal of racial discriminationwhile training to be astronaut. Some politicians and newscasters
questioned his intelligence. Even members of the Air Force and NASA, the agency in charge of
selecting astronauts, questioned him because of his race. Their ignorance affected Ed Dwight, but he
persisted in his pursuit. He worked with cutting-edge technology during his training. He underwent
extensive testing and flew experimental aircraft carriers. He watched as NASA selected astronauts
from the Air Force, but he continued to train
John F. Kennedy was murdered in 1963. Dwight felt he had lost a mentor and someone who
was rooting for him. Dwight quickly left the Air Force. He never got to space. But he didn’t let that
setback stop him from moving forward in life. He started his businesses and became extremely
successful.
After leaving the Air Force, Ed Dwight’s dream changed. He had always enjoyed creating art.
He began sculpting and has since completed over 18.000 works. Many of them are historically
African American figures. Many of his sculptures are now on display in public places across the
United States.
Throughout his life, Ed Dwight broke down many barriers. He was gifted in both the arts and
engineering. His life had many twists and turns, and while he did not always succeed, he always tried
again. And, in the end, he discovered a way to pursue his interests in sculpting.
10. What is the main idea of the passage ?
a. Ed Dwight’s path to be a famous sculpture artist
b. Ed Dwight’s spirit to pursue his dream
c. The military forces commanded by Ed Dwight
d. A life journey of the first African American astronaut
11. The word “encountered” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to …..
a. Confronted
b. Prevented
c. Escaped
d. Retreated

12. The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to …..

a. All members of the United States Air Force and NASA
b. Politicians, newscasters and members of the Air Force and NASA
c. John F. Kennedy and minister
d. Politicians and newscasters

13. According to the passage, the following sentences below are discussed as part of Ed Dwight’s
life journey. EXCEPT …..
a. In the Air Force, it is hard to avoid racial hatred
b. Ed Dwight had a dream of being an artist since his youth
c. Dwight pursued his dream by joining the U.S. Air Force
d. People’s ignorance of Dwight as the astronaut

14. It is implied from the passage that …..

a. John F. Kennedy awarded Ed as the first African American astronaut
b. Ed Dwight loved art more than engineering
c. The death of John F. Kennedy encouraged Ed to become an astronaut
d. Ed Dwight had never travelled to space in his life

[15.] Where in the passage does the author mention the hatred experienced ?
a. Paragraph 1
b. Paragraph 2
c. Paragraph 3
d. Paragraph 4

16. The word “barrier” in the last paragraph could best be replaced by …..
a. Assistance
b. Obstacle
c. Damage
d. Support

17. What is most likely the paragraph following the passage ?

a. The death of John F. Kennedy
b. Ed’s preparation to travel to space
c. Ed’s successful life to be a sculpture artist
d. Ed’s career as an artist
18. At what age, Ed Dwight chose to quit the Air Force ?
a. Around 15 years old
b. Around 20 years old
c. Around 45 years old
d. Around 30 years old

Text 3

There are storms in space, but they don’t consist of rain or snow; instead, they are made up of
winds and magnetic waves. Space weather is what is causing this. The Sun’s behavior, the makeup of
the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, and our position in the solar system all have an impact
on space weather. As opposed to the more well-known weather contributors of water, temperature,
and air. Particles, electromagnetic energy, and magnetic fields are the active components of space
weather.
Perhaps the most recognizable and visible space weather effect is the aurora (northern and
southern light). However, in addition to these spectacular natural phenomena, space weather also
poses a real threat and can impact national infrastructure, technology and communication systems.
An extreme solar storm could cause the loss of hundreds of house-sized transformers. Such
transformers are said to be difficult and expensive to replace, and power outages can last weeks,
months, or even years if damaged equipment is repaired and the power grid restored. Restoration
costs are estimated in the trillions of dollars.
Storms can disrupt high-frequency radio, radar and GPS communications, causing burdens for
industries that rely on these technologies. In November 2015, flights to Sweden disappeared from
air traffic control screens during a geomagnetic storm. Such an event can occur in another part of
the world, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in impact and severe disruption to our
economy.
The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration is the official source for space weather forecasts in the United States. It forecasts
solar storms in the same way that National Weather Service offices in the United States forecast
weather on Earth. SWPC forecastersuse instruments on Earth and satellites in space to monitor
changes in the sun’s active regions. They use this data to issue warnings, watches, and alerts for
potentially hazardous space weather events. There are Space Weather Scales for communicating the
intensity of solar storms, just as there are categories for classifying hurricanes. Forecasters use solar
flares and coronal mass ejections to predict these storms.
Solar flares are massive explosions on the surface of the sun. They are frequently found near
sunspots and emit a wide range of photons. Photons are electromagnetic energy bundles that make
up all light. Solar flares send photons such as x-rays, visible light, and ultraviolet light into space, as
well as highly energized protons.
Coronal mass ejections cause the most powerful solar storms (CME). A CME is a massive
bubble of plasma ejected from the sun’s surface. It is made up of billions of tons of fast-moving solar
particles, as well as the magnetic field that holds them together. A CME can travel at speeds of up to
5 million miles per hour.

19. Which of the following is true about space weather according to the first passage ?
a. It is influenced by the arrangement of Earth’s magnetic field
b. It is a storm that includes rain and snow
c. It is the effect of extreme storms in space
d. Its active components are particles, water, and magnetic fields

According to the first passage, the following are weather contributors, EXCEPT …..
a. Snow
 b. Particles
c. Air
d. Water

21. The word “threat” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to …..

a. Ward
b. Danger
c. Weave
d. Shield

22. Which of the following is NOT the effect of an extreme solar storm ?
a. It creates a blackout for a longer period of time
b. Its damage is irreparable
c. It destroys a private property
d. It incurs financial problems

23. The main idea of the paragraph 5 is about ….

a. The prediction of space weather phenomena
b. Research on weather prediction
c. A weather forecast institution in the Unites States
d. Issue warnings on hazardous space weather

24. The word “they” in paragraph 5 refers to …..

a. National Weather Service Officers
b. Instruments of Earth and satellites in space
c. The Space Weather Prediction Center’s forecasters
d. The Space Weather Prediction Center

25. It’s implied from the passage that data collected by SWPC is for …..
a. Technology
b. News
c. Security
d. Science

26. The aim of this passage is to …..

a. Describe components of space weather
b. Tell about what caused the extreme storms
c. Discuss the responsibility of SWPC
d. Explain threats arising from space weather

27. The word “predict” paragraph 5 can be replaced by …..

a. Analyze
b. Capture
c. Gather
d. Foresee
Text 4

The term placebo effect refers the changes in an individual caused by manipulation of the
placebo. In clinical trials, substances or procedures intended to serve as control conditions may
actually have an effect on subjective outcomes or biomarkers. Stewart-Williams and Podd provide a
definition for placebo that reads; “A placebo is a substance or procedure that lacks the inherent
ability to produce a desired or expected effect.” They also define the placebo effect as “an actual
psychological or physiological effect, in a human or other animal, attributable to receiving a
substance or undergoing a procedure, but not due to the intrinsic powers of that substance of
procedure. These indirect effect of inactive procedures are considered under the umbrella term of
placebo effect.
According to Fabrizio Benedetti, a neuroscientist at the University of Turin, researchers now
believe that the placebo effect is due to the brain releasing natural painkillers called endogenous
opiates, which are produced when the brain expects relief. When people are given a substance that
counteracts the effect of these opiates, their response to placebos evaporates. Additionally, the
brain also contains a substance called cholecystokinin that counteracts the effect of opiates. When
patients are given a drug that breaks down cholecystokinin, their opiate levels remain above normal
and their responses to placebos increase.
The placebo effect also applies in reverse. If patient don’t know they’re receiving treatment,
they won’t respond. Dr. Benedetti showed the public an extraordinary video of a patient suffering
from Parkinson’s disease, a condition that causes muscle contractions and tremors. These symptoms
can be relieved by electrical stimulation of the brain. The video showed that when the patient was
unaware of the stimulation being applied, his twitching continued unabated. But once he knew the
electrodes were in place, his symptoms eased.
Placebo effects are known to be active in other domains of brains function. For example,
research into pain control mechanisms has also pointed out that relief of 20% or more can only
occur based on expectations. Studies on depression, cognitive disorders, sleeping pills and many
other drugs have also shown that a certain placebo effect can occur with proven therapies. Many
studies on the placebo effect have outlined it as a changing response over time. In some clinical
trials, the effect is strongest in the first few weeks after starting an investigational drug and then
gradually declines. It has been detectable for three months or longer in some studies. Curiously,
studies have detailed varying magnitudes and time courses of placebo effects when examined in
different populations participating in the same clinical trial. It should be obvious why the use of
placebos in clinical research is so important. Any study evaluating the effectiveness of a new drug
could provide misleading information if a comparation with a placebo is not available.
Wampold, Imel, and Miami argue that a placebo is not simply an inert pill. This is supported by
a study conducted by Thomas that showed results of no difference between placebo treatment and
no treatment, but a significant difference between positive and negative statements about
prognosis. This study provided some evidence that the words a health professional uses to create
expectations are critical to the remediation of symptoms. Yalom suggests that the installation and
maintenance of hope is crucial to the practice of counselling and that faith in a treatment mode can
in itself be therapeutically effective. Several studies have demonstrated the impact a high
expectation of helping before the start of counselling can have on a positive therapeutic outcome.
Other studies have found that placebo effects can be traced back to verbal cues. It is believed that
by a practitioner using verbal cues the suggested reaction leads to generation of the expected
reaction. Non-specific aspects of the placebo remedy itself can also have a powerful influence. For
example,
the more invasive it is, or the more actively it involves the patient/client, the larger the placebo effect

28. What is the main idea of the passage ?

a. The definition of Placebo Effect
b. Placebo Effect
c. The harms and benefits of Placebo Effect
d. The latest research in clinical treatment

29. The following contains true information in paragraph 2, EXCEPT …..

a. Our responses to placebos are either decrease or increase
b. Placebo effect is caused by the depleted natural painkillers
c. Endogenous opiates are natural painkillers
d. Medicine cab boost our placebos

30. What does the word “these” in paragraph 2 refer mean ?

a. Natural painkillers
b. Natural substances
c. Brains
d. People

31. The word “unabated” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to …..

a. Painful
b. Heavy
c. Itchy
d. Nonstop

32. It’s implied from paragraph 3, the placebo effect can only exist in …..
a. Humans
b. Living creatures
c. The field of psychology
d. Animals

33. According to paragraph 4, The Placebo Effect …..

a. won’t always have strong effects
b. isn’t found after 3 months
c. is useful for therapies unless in depression cases
d. can give misleading information about health facilities

34. Where in the passage does the author mention about electrical stimulation ?
a. Paragraph 1
b. Paragraph 2
c. Paragraph 3
d. Paragraph 4

35. The word “prognosis” in the last paragraph is closest in meaning to …..
 a. Happiness
b. Prediction
c. Measurement
d. Life expectancy

36. It can be inferred from the passage that the Placebo Effect is strongerwhen …..
a. The patients undergo multiple counselings during the treatments
b. The medical workers involve both spoken and unspoken instructions
c. The patients are actively involved in the treatments
d. The substances given contain therapeutic components

Text 5

The Golestan Palaceis situated in Tehran’s historic center . The complexis made up of eight
important palace buildings that are primarily used as museums and the eponymous gardens, a green
space in the middle of the complex, enclosed by a wall with gates. The complexis a prime example
of the Qajar era’s architectural and artistic achievements, including the infusion of European themes
and aesthetics into Persian art. In addition to serving (Verb) as the Qajari Kings’ administrative
headquarters, it also served as a recreation and residential compound as well as a hub for artistic
output in the 19th century. It became the origin and focal point of Qajari arts and architecture as a
result of the latter activities.
The distinctive architectural constructions from the Qajari era have been preserved with their
original plan and design, as well as their extraordinary interior and exterior façade embellishments.
All conservation efforts have been made with proper consideration for the integrity of the used
materials, designs, and workmanship. Additionally, the palace complex’s use and purpose have been
partially preserved, particularly in the galleries and wings that were built as museums during the
Qajari era. Although many of the residential, representative, and administrative chambers no longer
serve their original functions, the palace continues to be the site of modern government operations.
The location of the Qajari monuments has arguably undergone the most substantial transformation
throughout the Pahlevi era, and only fragments of their authenticity remain.
The garden and buildings of the Golestan Palace complex have undergone constant
conservation and restoration work, of which the following is a brief account. Renovations have been
made in the past, including the covering of the fountains, the destruction of the entrance façade and
the walls of the west wing of the complex. The wells have already been repaired and other parts
mentioned above are high on the list of restoration and preservation priorities in the master plan.
The fountains in the ensemble were restored to their original form in 2005 based on images and
documents from the past. Designing the entrance as an inviting element based on historical
evidence is another objective of the management plan, which aims to restore the spatial privacy of
the castle and its entrance.
Among the other valuable features of the Golestan Palace complex are; ayvãn-e Takht-e
Marmar, the oldest building within the Tehran Historical Precinct as well as the most important and
the first recreation tower in Tehran called Sham-ol Imareh, or the sun building, with a good view of
the Tehran landscape from the roof. This is a unique and stunning structure that showcases a
combination of traditional and Western architectural features unprecedented before and after Qajar
rule. Shams-ol Imareh is the first building in Tehran where industrial building materials such as cast
iron are used in the columns and rails of the façade. the use of lightweight hoods based on truss
technology is regards the structural resistance of the building to seismic forces is also notable.
Another point to note is that all royal buildings in the world have always been fenced off
(particularly Iranian ones due to the introverted nature of Persian architecture). But Shams-ol
Imareh is actually Iran’s first recreation tower which is not only a part of the urban body but also
provides an external manifestation. Indeed, it is exposed to public view and is part of the urban
landscape.
Additionally, the complex has eighty thousand items in its museum, including 338 hand-
woven Persian carpets. One of the most valuable carpets is the first documenting carpet of Iran, and
thirty of the most precious carpets are currently kept at Carpet Museum of Iran. There are also 1115
paintings drawn by well known local and foreign artists, the oldest public clock of the country, a
collection of old military weapons (partially transferred to the Weaponry Museum of Saad Abad),and
the last but not the least is its unrivaled jewelry treasury, which includes items such as the Takht-e
Tavus (the peacock throne), Takht-e Naderi and the Jahan Nama Globe.

37. Which of the following best describes The Golestan Palace?

a. The largest museum on earth
b. A residential area for wealthy families
c. An eco-friendly tourist attraction in Tehran
d. A notable historical building

38. The pronoun “it” in 1st paragraph refers to ….

a. The Golestan Palace achievements
b. The Golestan Palace
c. A wall with many doors
d. Eponymous garden

39. The word “embellishments” in paragraph 2 is the closest meaning to …..

a. Decoration
b. Thickness
c. Strength
d. Surface

40. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about preservation of Qajari era architecture
?
a. The palace mostly doesn’t serve its original purpose
b. There was only a partial alteration during Pahlevi era
c. The Palace is functioned as a government building
d. They didn’t undergo substantial renovation in galleries and wings

41. The pronoun ‘its’ in paragraph 3 refers to …..

a. Historical evidence
b. Design
c. Management plan
d. Castle

42. The main idea of the 3rd paragraph is …..

a. The Golestan palace and its management plans
b. The Golestan Palace and its achievements
c. Creating a more private area for The Golestan Palace
d. The Golestan Palace and its changes

43. It is implied that all Iranian royal buildings are …..

 a. Inclosed
b. Tall
c. Public
d. Either traditional or modern

44. The word “unrivaled” in last paragraph is closest meaning to which of the following …..
a. Exquisite
b. Incomparable
c. Famous
d. Expensive

45. The paragraph following this passage most likely contains information about …..
a. Jewelry markets around the world
b. Another historical building in Tehran
c. The other collections of Golestan Palace
d. Jewelry manufacturing process

KUNCI