Read the passage, and choose the correct answer A, B, C or D for each question.
An important part of being an adult in the USA is becoming more independent from your parents. First, make sure you are living somewhere rather than your parents' house. (1) . If you want to be independent and make your own decisions about how you live, you will need to (2) that is completely separate from your parents both physically and financially.
Second, generate your own income and be as financially self-sufficient as possible. One of the main challenges in becoming independent as an adult is acquiring a sufficient income to allow you to live without the financial assistance of your parents. This can be particularly difficult if you are still a university student, but it is not impossible. Seek scholarships and part- time jobs. If you are no longer a student, find employment that offers a salary (3) . It may be necessary to obtain multiple sources of income in order to become financially self-sufficient and independent from your parents.
Next, budget your expenses carefully. When first becoming financially independent, it may be necessary to cut back on some of your expenses and strictly stick to a budget. Determine exactly what you can afford in terms of rent, food, clothing, transportation and (4) entertainment based on your own income, create a budget. While you may experience a dip in (5) at first, learning how to follow a budget and be self-sufficient will help you stay independent.
Finally, avoid relying on your parents as a first resort option for help of any kind. This, in no way, means that you may never ask your parents for help again, it just means that as an independent adult, there should be other sources of support within your life that you can turn to when necessary.

Read the following passage and choose the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
Learning independence
During March our Year 4 to Year 6 children were off on their first (6) expeditions and Year 3 had their first school sleepover in preparation for their own expeditions next year. Our primary expeditions are purposefully set (7) with a natural progression to independence, from a school sleepover in Year 3 leading all the way up to kayaking and hiking through the Vietnamese Jungle in Year 6. These exciting adventures are packed full of fun (8) that foster new friendships and build independence and confidence. (9) , following 4 years without expeditions our current Year 4-Year 6 have not had the opportunity to develop these skills over time, (10) makes their drive, determination and rapid growth even more of a triumph.

Read the following passage and choose the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
Would you like to learn to rock climb? Or spend time working at an animal sanctuary? That's (11) Andrea Black and Jenny Smith are doing as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. The award encourages young people to do exciting, cultural, social and adventure activities in their (12) time. The Queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh,started the award in 1956. He started it (13) he wanted young people to learn to help themselves and other people.
The award is for people aged 14-25, and there are three levels: Bronze, for those aged 14 or over, Silver for over 15s, and Gold for over 16s. You have to complete four activities to achieve the award:
+ go on an expedition (e.g. hiking, kayaking or climbing)
+ learn a new practical or social skill (anything from painting to podcasting!)
+ take (14) a physical challenge (e.g. learn or improve at a sport)
+ do (15) work helping people or the environment (e.g. work with disabled or elderly people, or raise money for a charity).

.Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
A month ago, I had no idea that on a Saturday afternoon in November I’d be hanging 30 metres above the ground and enjoying it. Now I looked down at the river far below me, and realised why people love rock-climbing.
My friend Matt and I had arrived at the Activity Centre on Friday evening. The accommodation wasn’t wonderful, but we had everything we needed (beds, blankets, food), and we were pleased to be out of the city and in the fresh air.
On Saturday morning we met the other ten members of our group. Cameron had come along with two friends, Kevin, and Simon, while sisters Carole and Lynn had come with Amanda. We had come from various places and none of us knew the area.
We knew we were going to spend the weekend outdoors, but none of us was sure exactly how. Half of us spent the morning caving while the others went rock- climbing and then we changed at lunchtime. Matt and I went to the caves first. Climbing out was harder than going in, but after a good deal of pushing, we were out at last – covered in mud but pleased and excited by what we’d done.

Choose the correct arrangement of the sentences to make a meaningful paragraph/letter
a. Secondly, it cultivates a strong work ethic, allowing students to develop perseverance and diligence in their studies.
b. In conclusion, fostering self-reliance among students not only contributes to academic success but also equips them with essential life skills for the future.
c. Self-reliance brings about numerous advantages in their academic journey.
d. Firstly, being self-reliant fosters a sense of responsibility as students learn to manage their own time and prioritize tasks effectively.
e. Additionally, self-reliant students often demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills, as they are accustomed to finding solutions independently.

Choose the correct arrangement of the sentences to make a meaningful paragraph/letter
a. Secondly, the ability to work independently sharpens critical thinking skills, as students learn to solve problems and make decisions on their own.
b. In the pursuit of academic success, students should strive for independence.
c. Additionally, autonomy empowers students to manage their time efficiently, balancing academic responsibilities with personal pursuits.
d. Firstly, self-reliance fosters a sense of responsibility, allowing students to take charge of their own learning journey.
e. Moreover, the self-discipline cultivated through autonomy equips students with valuable life skills, preparing them for the challenges that lie beyond the classroom.
f. In conclusion, fostering independence is not only conducive to academic achievement but also essential for personal and professional growth.

Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the questions.
MANAGING TIME
Time management: two words that have me breaking out in a cold sweat. Why should I suddenly have to learn how to manage my time? Surely time had got on perfectly well for several millennia without requiring management, let alone by me. But my university tutor was adamant: time needed some managing and apparently it was up to me to do it.
First of all, let's be clear. I do have plenty of time to manage. As an arts student, I generally have 23 hours in the day that aren't given over to going to lectures. But I generally need somebody to tell me what I should be writing, so I go to lectures.
Perhaps I had "taken on too much"? I'd been elected to four committees, produced a play, applied for a part time job, hung around the college bar with my friends, and written the odd essay. But I thought I was coping well. Sure, there was the day when I did the research for an essay on the morning of deadline day and wrote it that afternoon, but that was a one off.
On second thoughts, maybe my tutor is right. It's difficult to give up what you're involved in but perhaps it's a good idea to sit back and have a breather once in a while. Even an art student has to get down to some real work!