Read the following passage about friendship 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
Ali and Baba grew up together as childhood playmates just like Hassan and I grew up a generation later. Baba was always telling us about their mischiefs he and Ali used to cause. But in none of his stories did Baba ever refer to Ali (1) .
The curious thing was, I never thought of Hassan and me as friends either. Not in the usual sense, anyhow. Never mind that we (2) each other to ride a bicycle with no hands, or to build a fully functional homemade camera out of a cardboard box. Never mind that we spent entire winters flying kites, running kites. Never mind that to me, the face of Afghanistan is that of a boy with a thin-boned frame, a shaved head, and low-set ears, a boy with a Chinese doll face perpetually lit by a harelipped (3) .
Never mind any of those things. Because history isn't easy to overcome. Neither is religion. In the end, I was a Pashtun and he was a Hazara, I was Sunni and he was Shi'a, and nothing was ever going to (4) that. Nothing.
We saw our first Western together, Rio Bravo with John Wayne, at the Cinema Park. I remember being (5) Baba to take us to Iran so we could meet John Wayne.
(Adapted from Global friends)

Read the following passage about Cải Lương 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
Cải Lương, a form of traditional Vietnamese theatre, emerged around the 1910s and gained popularity among the communities in the south, especially in the Mekong Delta region. In the early years, Cải Lương performances were held in makeshift theatres or open-air spaces, and the plays were often performed by itinerant troupes. Just like a Western circus, they (6) .
Cải Lương uses a combination of music, singing, acting, and dance to depict a wide range of themes and stories. These include historical events, folklore, legends, and contemporary social issues. The performances are characterised by vibrant costumes, bold makeup, and expressive gestures. (7) , Cai Luong offers a reflection on Vietnamese culture, history, values, and societal concerns.
The distinctive music in Cải Lương is created by the combination of a variety of instruments. They include the dan tranh, a 16-stringed zither with movable bridges, the đàn nguyệt, a two-stringed moon-shaped lute, the dàn cò, a two-stringed fiddle, and a bamboo flute. (8) , they produce a melodic and unique sound that complements the storytelling and singing in Cải Lương.
Cải Lương owes its development to numerous talented individuals who have contributed their skills and creativity over the years. Prominent figures like Bay Nam, Phùng Há and Út Trà Ôn, together with others, played crucial roles in shaping and popularising Cải Lương. (9) , they elevated Cải Lương to become a cherished cultural tradition in Viet Nam.
At present, Cải Lương faces concerns about its future due to the declining interest among younger generations and the influence of modern entertainment. However, (10) , efforts to raise awareness, engage new audiences, and adapt to new tastes may safeguard the sustainability of Cải Lương in the years to come.
(Adapted from Global friends)

Read the following passage about “ Mardi Gras: A Party to Remember“ 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.
Mardi Gras. Two little words that describe a centuries-old celebration which originated in Medieval Europe. It is the name given to the final day of the Carnival season, the day that traditionally precedes forty days of fasting in some religions. The words mean 'Fat Tuesday,' referring not only to the day on which the celebration is always held, but also to the custom of eating up all the forbidden food before the fast.
Today, it is the city of New Orleans in Louisiana, USA, that holds one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations in the world. Mardi Gras was introduced to North America in March 1699 by a French Canadian explorer called Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. Arriving on the eve of the festival at an area 90 kilometres south of what is now New Orleans, (11) . The custom soon caught on, and by the time New Orleans had been established by Bienville in 1718, (12) .
What makes the New Orleans event so special is its dazzling parades. Marching bands escort artistic carnival floats through streets lined with spectators wearing masks. These masks afforded the wearer a disguise (13) . As for the carnival floats, each one belongs to an organisation known as a 'krewe.' The tradition of the 'krewe' began in 1856 when six young men from the nearby town of Mobile formed the 'Mistek Krewe of Comus. Not only does this group hold the distinction of being the first krewe, but (14) . The second Mardi Gras krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was founded in 1870, and initiated another popular tradition, the Mardi Gras 'throws.' These are small presents (15) . Mardi Gras was made official in New Orleans in 1875 when Governor Warmoth signed the Mardi Gras Act making Fat Tuesday a public holiday in Louisiana.
(Adapted from Global friends)