Based on the text below, answer the six questions that follow it. The paragraphs of the text are numbered.

If children lose contact with nature they won't fight for it

[1] According to recent research, even if the present rate of global decarbonisation were to double, we would still be on course for 6°C of warming by the end of the century. Limiting the rise to 2°C, which is the target of current policies, requires a six-time reduction in carbon intensity.
[2] A new report shows that the UK has lost 20% of its breeding birds since 1966: once common species such as willow tits, lesser spotted woodpeckers and turtle doves have all but collapsed; even house sparrows have fallen by two thirds. Ash dieback is just one of many terrifying plant diseases, mostly spread by trade. They now threaten our oaks, pines and chestnuts.
[3] While the surveys show that the great majority of people would like to see the living planet protected, few are prepared to take action. This, I think, reflects a second environmental crisis: the removal of children from the natural world. The young people we might have expected to lead the defence of nature have less and less to do with it.
[4] We don't have to undervalue the indoor world, which has its own rich ecosystem, to lament children's disconnection from the outdoor world. But the experiences the two spheres offer are entirely different. There is no substitute for what takes place outdoors, mostly because the greatest joys of nature are unplanned. The thought that most of our children will never swim among phosphorescent plankton at night, will never be startled by a salmon leaping, or a dolphin breaching is almost as sad as the thought that their children might not have the opportunity.
[5] The remarkable collapse of children's engagement with nature - which is even faster than the collapse of the natural world - is recorded in Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods, and in a report published recently by the National Trust. Since the 1970s the area in which children may roam without supervision has decreased by almost 90%. In one generation the proportion of children regularly playing in wild places in the UK has fallen from more than half to fewer than one in 10. In the US, in just six years (1997-2003) children with particular outdoor hobbies fell by half. Eleven- to 15-year-olds in Britain now spend, on average, half their waking day in front of a screen.
[6] There are several reasons for this collapse: parents' irrational fear of strangers and rational fear of traffic, the destruction of the fortifying lands where previous generations played, the quality of indoor entertainment, the structuring of children's time, the criminalisation of natural play. The great indoors, as a result, has become a far more dangerous place than the diminished world beyond.
[7] The rise of obesity and asthma and the decline in cardio-respiratory fitness are well documented. Louv also links the indoor life to an increase in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other mental ill health. Research conducted at the University of Illinois suggests that playing among trees and grass is associated with a markedreduction in indications of ADHD, while playing indoors appears to increase them. The disorder, Louv suggests, "may be a set of symptoms aggravated by lack of exposure to nature". Perhaps it's the environment, not the child, that has gone wrong.
[8] In her famous essay the Ecology of Imagination in Childhood, Edith Cobb proposed that contact with nature stimulates creativity. Reviewing the biographies of 300 "geniuses", she exposed a common theme: intense experiences of the natural world in the middle age of childhood (between five and 12). Animals and plants, she argued, are among "the figures of speech in the rhetoric of play... which the genius, in particular of later life, seems to remember".
[9] Studies in several nations show that children's games are more creative in green places than in concrete playgrounds. Natural spaces encourage fantasy and roleplay, reasoning and observation. The social standing of children there depends less on physical dominance, more on inventiveness and language skills.
[10] And here we meet the other great loss. Most of those I know who fight for nature are people who spent their childhoods immersed in it. Without a feel for the texture and function of the natural world, without an intensity of engagement almost impossible in the absence of early experience, people will not devote their lives to its protection.
[11] Forest Schools, Outward Bound, Woodcraft Folk, the John Muir Award, the Campaign for Adventure, Natural Connections, family nature clubs and many others are trying to bring children and the natural world back together. But all of them are fighting forces which, if they cannot be changed, will deprive the living planet of the wonder and delight that for millennia have attracted children to the wilds.

(Adapted from: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/19/children-lose-contact-with-nature)
According to the text, which option completes the sentence below correctly?
The current policies aim at a ________ in the rise of temperatures by the end of the century.

Hard Lesson in Sleep for Teenagers

By Jane E. Brody October 20, 2014

Few Americans these days get the hours of sleep optimal for their age, but experts agree that teenagers are more likely to fall short than anyone else.

Researchers report that the average adolescent needs eight and a half to nine and a half hours of sleep each night. However, in a poll taken in 2006 by the National Sleep Foundation, less than 20 percent reported getting that much rest on school nights. With the profusion of personal electronics, the current percentage is believed to be even worse. A study in Fairfax, Va., found that only 6 percent of children in the 10th grade and only 3 percent in the 12th grade get the recommended amount of sleep. Two in three teens were found to be severely sleep-deprived, losing two or more hours of sleep every night. The causes can be biological, behavioral or environmental. The effect on the well-being of adolescents — on their health and academic potential — can be profound.

Insufficient sleep in adolescence increases the risks of high blood pressure and heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, said Dr. Owens, pediatric sleep specialist at Children's National Health System in Washington. Sleeplessness is also linked to risk-taking behavior, depression, suicidal ideation and car accidents. Insufficient sleep also impairs judgment, decision-making skills and the ability to curb impulses, which are "in a critical stage of development in adolescence," Dr. Owens said. With the current intense concern about raising academic achievement, it is worth noting that a study by Kyla Wahlstrom of 9,000 students in eight Minnesota public high schools showed that starting school a half-hour later resulted in an hour's more sleep a night and an increase in the students' grade point averages and standardized test scores.

When children reach puberty, a shift in circadian rhythm makes it harder for them to fall asleep early enough to get the requisite number of hours and still make it to school on time. A teenager’s sleep-wake cycle can shift as much as two hours, making it difficult to fall asleep before 11 p.m. If school starts at 8 or 8:30, it is not possible to get enough sleep. Based on biological sleep needs, a teenager who goes to sleep at 11 p.m, should be getting up around 8 a.m.

Adding to the adolescent shift in circadian rhythm are myriad electronic distractions that cut further into sleep time, like smartphones, iPods, computers and televisions. A stream of text messages, tweets, and postings on Facebook and Instagram keep many awake long into the night.

Parents should consider instituting an electronic curfew and perhaps even forbid sleep-distracting devices in the bedroom, Dr . Owens said. Beyond the bedroom, many teenagers lead overscheduled lives that can lead to short nights.

Also at risk are many teenagers from low-income and minority families, where overcrowding, excessive noise and safety concerns can make it difficult to get enough restful sleep, the academy statement said. Trying to compensate for sleep deprivation on weekends can further compromise an adolescent's sleep-wake cycle by inducing permanent jet lag. Sleeping late on weekends shifts their internal clock, making it even harder to get to sleep Sunday night and wake up on time for school Monday morning.

(Adapted and abridged from http://www.nytimes.com)

Which words are similar in meaning to ''curb" and "curfew" in the following extracts: "Insufficient sleep also impairs judgment, decision-making skills and the ability to curb impulses [...] . " and "Parents should consider instituting an electronic curfew and perhaps even forbid sleep-distracting devices in the bedroom [...] ."?

Which is the correct option to complete the paragraph below?

The power of a thank-you note


Thank-you notes might seem old-fashioned ________ there's plenty of value to be found in the tradition. ________ a study by Accountemps, just 24% of job applicants send thank-you notes after interviews - ________ 80% of hiring managers who receive them say they are useful in evaluating the potential of applicants. Proponents of thank-you notes say they are an inexpensive way to strengthen a relationship ________ show the applicant cares about the job.

(Adapted from https://www.linkedin.com)

Which option completes the dialogue below correctly?
John: What’s the matter? Mary: My notebook isn’t working properly. I must call the technician and________ immediately.
Which word best completes the question below?
How________ do YOU look at your phone?
The average user now picks up their device more than 1,500 times a week.
(http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech)

Read text V to answer question .

TEXT V

There are no excuses for racism.

Racism take$ many forms and can happen 1 __ many places. lt includes prejudice, discrimination ar hatred directed at someone because of their colour, ethnicity or national origin.

People often associate racism with acts of abuse or harassment. However, it doesn't need to involve violent or intimidating behaviour. Take racial name-calling and jokes. Or consider situations when people may be excluded from groups or activities because of where they come 2 _______.

Racism can be revealed through people's actions as well as their altitudes. !t can also be reflected in systems and institutions. But sometímes it may not be revealed at ali. Not ali racism is obvious. For examp!e, someone may look 3 _______ a list of job applicants and decide not to interview people with certain surnames.

Racism is more than just words, beliefs and actions. lt includes ali the barriers that prevent people from enjoying dignity and equality because of their race.



<https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/race-discrimination/what-racism>

Read the following sentence.

"People often associate racism with acts of abuse or harassment."

The underlined word "often" can be replaced by

Which option completes the paragraph below correctly?
After a particularly long week in Shanghai and Beijing, several of u s ________ on a United flight direct to Chicago on a late Friday afternoon. We ________ at the airport only to find out the company________ the flight right before takeoff.
(Adapted from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse)
Based on the text below, answer question.

How to Become a USNA Midshipman

Posted by: Jacqui Murray j December 8, 2010There are lots of how-to books on getting in the NavalAcademy, but they1re quite dry and impersonal. Mine -Buildinq a Midshipman - is from the perspective of a womanwho did it (my daughter!) and how she accomplished such alofty goal. It's down-to-earth and should give confidence toany teen, male or female, considering a military academy astheir college of choice.
I wrote this because there was a need for a book likethis. When my daughter wanted a step-by-step on how to getinto the Naval Academy, ali she could find were books thattold her how hard it was, how selective they were, how veryfew could achieve it. My daughter brushed the negativityoff, but I wondered how many kids were discouraged by thatapproach.
I decided to write a book (a) explaining how to achievethe goal, not why kids couldnTt; (b) showing how teens cansolve the problems that stand in their way rather than whythey can't, and (c) sharing the many but predictable stepsthat will take a motivated, committed applicant where theywant to go rather than why they can't get there.That approach worked for my daughter and I had no doubtit would work for others. From what I hear from readers,it1s true. I hope you find it useful. .

(MURRAY, Jacqui. Building a USNA Midshipman. How to crack the UnitedStates Naval Academy Application, 2n edition, 2008. Adapted fromhttps:// usnaorbust.wordpress.com)
Considering the text, the words "lofty" in how she accomplished such a lofty goal.n and "brushed off" in "[...] she brushed the negativity off [...] ." mean respectively.
Which sequence best completes this paragraph from arecommendation letter?
John is a very ____________ teacher. Attractive andprofessional-looking, he has __________ interpersonal skillsand is _________ understood by students and parents alike. Hecarries out every responsibility ____________ and in a timelymanner.
(Adapted from http://www.writeexpress.com).

Additional Factors That Affect Sleep Comfort

By Richard A. Staehler, MD

The type of mattress one uses is not the only factor for patients with pain and sleep difficulty. Many other factors need to be considered that may affect sleep, including;

- medication side effects;

- irregular sleep patterns;

- caffeine/alcohol/tobacco use;

- sleep apnea;

- anxiety/stress.

If comfort is not the only thing making sleep difficult, it is advisable for the patient to consult his or her family physician to discuss other possible causes and treatments for sleeplessness.

If anyone experiences significant or persistent back pain, there may be an underlying back condition that has nothing to do with the mattress. It is always advisable for people with back pain to consult with a health care provider for a thorough exam, diagnosis, and treatment program.

As a reminder, sleep comfort is first and foremost a matter of personal preference. No one should expect that switching mattresses or beds will cure their lower back pain, and changes in the type of bed or mattress used should be made solely for the sake of comfort,

(Adapted from http;//www.spine-health,com/wellness/sleep/additional-factors -affect -sleep-comfort )

Considering the text, the word "solely" in "[...] changes in the type of bed or mattress used should be made solely for the sake of comfort." means

Based on the text below, answer the question.

Facebook deserted by millions of users in biggest markets

Facebook has lost millions of users per month in its biggest markets. In the last six months, Facebook has lost nearly 9m monthly visitors in the US and 2m in the UK. Studies suggest that its expansion in the US, UK and other major European countries has peaked. In the last month, the world's largest social network has lost 6m US visitors, a 4% fall, according to analysis firm Socialbakers. In the UK, 1.4m fewer users visited in March, a fali of 4.5%. Users are also turning off in Canada, Spain, France, Germany and Japan, where Facebook is extremely popular.

Alternative social networks have seen surges in popularity with younger people. Instagram, the photo-sharing site, got 30m new users in the 18 months before Facebook bought the business. Path, the mobile phone-based social network founded by former Facebook employee Dave Morin, which only allows its users to have 150 friends, is gaining 1m users a week.

Facebook is still growing fast in South America. Monthly visitors in Brazil were up to 6% in the last month to 70m, according to Socialbakers, whose Information is used by Facebook advertisers. India has seen a 4% rise to 64m - still only a fraction of the country's population, so there is room for more growth.

As Facebook itself has warned, the time spent on its pages from those sitting in front of personal computers is decreasing fast because people now prefer to use their smartphones and tablets. Although smartphone minutes have doubled in a year, to 69 a month, that growth may not compensate for dwindling desktop usage.

Facebook will tell investors about its performance for the quarter. Wall Street expects revenues of about $1.44bn, an increase from $1.06bn a year ago. Shareholders will want to know how fast the number of mobile Facebook users is growing, and whether advertising revenues are increasing at the same rate. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has created a series of new initiatives designed to appeal to smartphone users. One initiative, Facebook Home, is software that can be downloaded onto Android phones to feed news and photos from friends - and advertising - directly to the owner's locked home screen.


(Adapted from http://www.guardian.com.uk)

Considering the text, the words "surge" (line 10) and "dwindling" (Xine 26) mean respectively a sudden (1) ____ and (2) ____.
Based on the text below, answer question.

Life in the Navy - Frequently Asked Questions.

Many of your questions about the Navy have been askedand answered before. See if you can find your question inthe list below. Or, to get the most complete picture of theNavy, locate your nearest recruiter and set up a meeting.

(I) ________

It depends. Normally ships will go to sea for 10 daysto 2 weeks each month for training operations. Extendedoperations away from home port can last up to 6 months, andships deploy every 18-24 months. This varies depending onthe mission and type of ship. Ships on 6-month deploymentsspend time visiting ports throughout the world. If you areon a shore duty tour, you will likely spend no time at seaduring the course of the duty assignment {usually 2 to 3years).

(II) _______

There are plenty of activities available to sailors intheir off-duty time. Depending on the size of the ship,you'll have areas for exercise, watching movies, playingcards, emailing friends, and purchasing snacks and otheritems. Many ships also provide college classes.

(III) _______

The tempo of operations will dictate actual length.While in home port or on shore duty, it is very similar tothat of civilian jobs. While out to sea, it is often longerbecause of the workload needed to keep the ship, aircraftand other machinery working properly and efficiently.

(IV) _______

Onder normal circumstances, you will be eligible for apromotion from E-l to E-2 in 9 months, from E-2 to E-3 in 9months, and from E-3 to E-4 in 6 months. Advancements on thebasis of merit can occur in basic training to E-2 withoutwaiting the 9 months. By referring friends who join theNavy, you can be promoted even faster!

(V) _______

Once you have completed basic training and any followupschooling, you will probably move just once to your firstpermanent duty station. Naturally, if you stay in the Navypast your first enlistment (or if you request a specificdeployment) you may have to move again.

(Adapted from https://www.navy.eom/faq.html#section-4)
The words and expressions that can replace "picture", "locate" and "set up" in the extract " [...] to get the most complete picture of the Navy, locate your nearest recruiter and set up a meeting." while keeping the same meaning are.
Mark the correct option to complete the paragraph below.
The doctor ________ Peggy if she ________ the blood pressure pill. Peggy________ to the doctor that she _________ taking it several weeks before. The doctor ________ Peggy ________ taking the medicine again.
(Adapted from McAslan, Mary Sue. Read the Prescription Label. Balboa Press, 2012, p. 150-151)