Read the following passage about Jackie Chan and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 5. ⇱
Jackie Chan, a world-renowned actor, martial artist, and director, grew up in Hong Kong, (1) ______. Born into a poor family, Jackie’s early life was difficult, and he had to work hard from a young age to support his family. His parents could not afford to send him to school, so he attended a Chinese opera school, where he trained in martial arts and acrobatics. (2) ______.
At the age of 17, Jackie moved to the United States to pursue a career in Hollywood. (3) ______, Jackie kept working hard and refused to return to Hong Kong. (4) ______. Jackie learned from his colleagues and continued improving his skills, determined to succeed. His big break came with the movie Drunken Master in 1978, which made him a superstar in Asia.
Having gained recognition in Asia, Jackie eventually became a global star, starring in many successful Hollywood films such as Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon. His hard work, perseverance, and unique blend of martial arts and comedy made him one of the most beloved action stars in the world. Today, Jackie Chan is admired not only for his success in film (5) ______.
Read the following passage about AI in protecting birds and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best answers to each of the following questions from 6 to 15. ⇱
How AI is Assisting Scientists in Protecting Birds
As bird populations continue to deteriorate globally, scientists and birders are using algorithm-powered apps to gather valuable data about avian species. These capture millions of hours of audio. [I]. Yet, it’s a lot of recordings for a human to sift through.
To process this deluge of data, scientists just need a little help from BirdNET, an AI-powered system launched in 2018 that can identify more than 6,000 species of birds across the globe just by their calls. The technology functions by converting bird calls into spectrograms, soundwave images that the app’s algorithm analyzes. [II]. Since its launch, BirdNET has amassed over 150 million bird sounds, contributing to large-scale conservation projects. BirdNET is not alone—other applications, such as Merlin, also leverage AI to assist scientists and birders in identifying bird calls. These systems enable scientists to process vast quantities of acoustic data, which is crucial for bird conservation.
However, like most AI-based technology, these apps are not without pitfalls. In his 2023 study in the International Journal of Avian Science, ecologist Cristian Pérez-Granados reviewed a range of scientific literature on BirdNET. His research found that BirdNET didn't always register a bird's song, and sometimes misidentified it as another species, which results in "false positives," says Pérez-Granados, who works at the University of Alicante in Spain. [III]. Merlin users have also reported cases of misidentification, which could have negative implications for research projects that incorporate citizen science data.
In spite of these challenges, AI-powered tools have made birdwatching more accessible, even to those with hearing impairments, encouraging broader participation in conservation efforts. [IV]. In fact, it’s a case of "killing two birds with one stone"—AI is not only assisting in tracking bird populations, but it is also making birdwatching more inclusive for everyone.
Read the following passage about bonsai and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best answers to each of the following questions from 16 to 23. ⇱
Language plays a crucial role in shaping identities and cultures around the world. The term “minority language” enjoys a natural, but problematic, definition.
In the most straightforward sense, a minority language is simply one spoken by less than 50 percent of a population in a given region, state or country. The key criterion here is the size of the speaker population within a specific geographic context: an individual language may be a minority language in one region or state but a majority language in another. Such is the case with many immigrant languages, whose speakers may continue to be a majority in the homeland but have smaller speaker bases elsewhere.
Furthermore, a single language may have different degrees of minority status within a given country. To cite one of the most obvious examples, Spanish is a majority language in a number of countries but a minority language in the United States overall. At the same time, in US states, counties, or regions with large Latino populations it is much more prevalent and even valued, and is indeed spoken by a majority of the population in some counties in Texas and New Mexico. This example highlights the most problematic part of the definition given above; namely, that it makes no claim about the economic, social, or political prestige of a minority language. In many of France’s former colonies, French is a minority language, as is Ainu in Japan, but the former is frequently associated with education and economic advancement, whereas the latter is stigmatized and subject to discrimination.
Given such differences, it may make good sense to distinguish between indigenous, immigrant, and ethnic linguistic minorities, and to characterize minority languages in terms of their social and economic functions.
Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 24 to 29. ⇱
ESCAPE TO PARADISE AT THE OASIS RESORT
"Are you looking for a peaceful retreat where you can relax and recharge? The Oasis Resort offers you (24) ______ unique experience, combining luxury, comfort, and adventure. Situated in a picturesque location, the resort provides a range of activities designed (25) ______ everyone’s needs.
Whether you are enjoying the beach, participating in an exciting water sport, (26) ______ simply lounging by the pool, you will find something for everyone here. By doing yoga in the tranquil gardens or having a spa treatment, you can unwind and rejuvenate (27) ______ body and mind. After a day of (28) ______, the gourmet restaurant offers delicious meals, prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
At the Oasis Resort, every detail (29) ______ care of. From the moment you arrive, our staff ensures you have everything you need for an unforgettable stay. It is said that guests leave feeling renewed and ready to take on the world.
Book a stay today and experience paradise like never before at the Oasis Resort, where comfort meets adventure."
Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of sentences to make a meaningful exchange or text in each of the following questions from 30 to 34. ⇱
a. While urbanization brings economic growth and improved infrastructure, it also presents challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution.
b. The rapid development of cities attracts people from rural areas seeking better job opportunities and higher living standards.
c. Indeed, over the past few decades, urban expansion has transformed many small towns into bustling metropolitan areas.
d. My interest in urban planning and sustainable development has led me to explore ways to create more livable cities.
e. In conclusion, although urbanization offers many benefits, it is crucial to balance growth with sustainability to ensure a better quality of life for future generations.
Hi Jack,
How are you? I'm doing well.
a. Have to go now. We're having a barbecue in the garden.
b. I make my bed every day and clean my room twice a week. Dusting the furniture at weekends is also my duty.
c. Thanks for the email. I'm sorry to hear that you're so busy with your studies and have too many chores to do.
d. I am very busy with school and other activities, but I help my parents with the housework sometimes.
e. These simple actions make my parents so happy and I am so proud of that.
Talk to you soon!
Best, Ryan
a. Sue: Good ideas! I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks!
b. Ben: I think we should avoid taking souvenirs like stones, and wear flat shoes with soft soles to prevent damage.
c. Sue: I visited the castle yesterday. It’s nice, but no one looks after it. What can we do to protect it?
a. These can help them shape their personal and professional growth.
b. When taking on a part-time job, teenagers acquire valuable skills and experiences.
c. The experience allows them to make decisions about their future career paths.
d. Engaging in part-time employment can bring forth several benefits for teenagers.
e. Part-time jobs also provide opportunities for teenagers to explore their passions.
a. Emma: It truly is. Every time I start reading it, I just can’t put it down.
b. Emma: Thank you so much for the lovely book, James.
c. James: That’s great to hear. Enjoy the book!
d. Emma: Thanks again, James.
e. James: I’m glad you like it, Emma. I thought it would be perfect for you.
Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 35 to 40. ⇱
🌍 Gender Mainstreaming Platform: Empowering Equality Across Europe 🌍
Gender gaps and inequalities between women and men (35) ______ to exist in many areas of society, including education, employment, and health. To address these challenges, the EIGE Gender Mainstreaming Platform offers (36) ______ way for policymakers and individuals to take action towards gender equality.
What is Gender Mainstreaming?
Gender mainstreaming involves the (37) ______ of a gender-sensitive approach into every phase of the policy-making process.
What can you find on the platform?
Information on many different policy areas, highlighting (38) ______ and ongoing efforts in various countries.
How does it work?
Gender mainstreaming can be described as a cycle that begins with the defining and (39) ______ phases and continues through implementation and evaluation. At each phase of the cycle, it is essential to make sure that gender equality is taken (40) ______ account.