1

You’re quite astute, my friend John; your reasoning is sharp, and your wit is daring. However, you seem to harbor biases. You’re reluctant to perceive beyond the scope of your daily life. Some individuals possess perceptions that elude others. Yet, there exist matters, ancient and novel, that ought not to be contemplated by human eyes due to preconceived notions passed down through generations. Our science is culpable for its inclination to explain everything. When it fails to do so, it dismisses the unexplained asnonexistent.

According to the text, what does the speaker believe about Dr. John Seward?

A) They’re too closed-minded to look beyond their daily encounters.

B) They should always rely on science to explain everything.

C) They should avoid contemplating things they don’t comprehend.

D) They rush to judgments and are too quick to embrace the unknown.

2

He exited the room and started climbing the stairs, with Basil Hallward trailing closely. Their steps were hushed, a natural instinct at night. The lamp projected eerie shadows across the wall and staircase. A gust of wind caused a few windows to rattle. Upon reaching the top landing, Dorian retrieved the key and inserted it into the lock.

According to the text, what did the rising wind cause?

A) The lamp cast eerie, fantastical shadows on the wall and staircase.

B) The men moved with hushed footsteps, their pace instinctively softened by the night.

C) The men moved with hushed footsteps, their pace instinctively softened by the night.

D) As the wind rose, it stirred the windows, causing them to rattle intermittentl.

3

In 2022, Dr. Maria Alvarez and a team of scientists initiated a study to assess climate change’s influence on marine biodiversity. Over a year, they monitored species diversity in a specific marine ecosystem, comparing their findings with historical data. The results revealed a notable decline in species, signaling a loss of biodiversity. This decline was attributed to the adverse effects of warmer ocean temperatures and acidification resulting from climate change.

According to the text, why is marine biodiversity declining?

A) Due to human activities like overfishing.

B) Due to the increasing ocean temperatures and acidification.

C) Due to the migration of marine animals to new habitats.

D) Due to the natural evolution of the marine ecosystem over time.

4

Prince Andrew listened to the recounting of the Council of State’s opening, an event he had eagerly anticipated and deemed significant. However, he was surprised to find that its occurrence left him unaffected, even seeming rather trivial. As Bitski enthusiastically described it, Prince Andrew listened with quiet irony. A simple thought crossed his mind: "What significance does the Emperor’s words at the Council hold for me or for Bitski? None whatsoever."

According to the text, how does Prince Andrew feel about the Council of State’s opening?

A) He sees it as the pinnacle of importance in his life.

B) He eagerly anticipates the next Council meeting.

C) He views it as inconsequential and remains indifferent.

D) He regrets not being present at the Council.

5

I went back to my book, "Bewick’s History of British Birds," which I typically didn’t find captivating. However, there were specific introductory pages that intrigued me, even though I was just a child. These pages described the habitats of sea-fowl, the desolate rocks and cliffs they inhabited exclusively, and the Norwegian coast, adorned with islands from its southern tip, Lindeness, or Naze, to the North Cape.

According to the text, what is true about the book "Bewick’s History of British Birds"?

A) The book is a family novel that Jane found engrossing.

B) The book focuses on the coast of France.

C) The narrator found every page of the book captivating.

D) It primarily intrigued the narrator with its descriptions of sea-fowl habitats.

6

Recent research on environmental conservation reveals the significant impact of public awareness campaigns. These initiatives play a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of preserving natural resources and the harmful effects of pollution. By enhancing awareness, individuals are more inclined to embrace eco-friendly behaviors like recycling, water conservation, and minimizing plastic use in their daily routines. Additionally, heightened awareness often prompts governments and corporations to implement sustainable practices and policies in response to public pressure. The study emphasizes the indispensable role of these campaigns in fostering a more environmentally conscious society and rallying collective efforts to safeguard our planet.

According to the text, why are public awareness campaigns important for environmental conservation?

A) Foster funding for environmental studies

B) Propose innovative tech solutions for environmental issues.

C) Promote eco-conscious habits among people.

D) Generate employment in environmental science field.

7

An urban planning article highlights the importance of public parks in cities, stating they’re essential for both mental and physical health. They serve as natural retreats in urban areas, promoting relaxation, exercise, and community engagement. Parks foster a connection to nature, often scarce in cities, and contribute to environmental conservation by providing habitats for wildlife and improving air quality.

According to the text, public parks in cities are similar to which of the following?[red]

A) hospitals, essential for community health.

B) libraries, storing valuable resources for public access.

C) museums, preserving historical and cultural artifacts for public display.

D) Schools, offering educational opportunities for the community.

8

He is more like me than I am. Our souls seem to be made from the same fabric. If everything else were to vanish and he remained, I would still feel complete. Conversely, if he were to disappear while everything else remained, the world would become unfamiliar to me. I cannot fathom a life without him; his presence is as vital to me as breathing.

According to the text, what is true about the speaker’s feelings?

A) She can fathom a life without him.

B) She firmly believes that their bond is profound and indispensable to her very being.

C) She feels a profound affection for him.

D) She sees him as unique, unlike anyone else in her life.

9

I was attempting to grasp some semblance of closure. I’ve departed from schools and locations without even realizing it. That bothers me. Whether it’s a sorrowful farewell or a cheerful one, I prefer to be aware when I’m parting ways with a place. Otherwise, it leaves me feeling even more unsettled. It’s akin to missing something crucial, leaving me with a hollow sensation inside.

According to the text, what is true about the narrator’s feelings?

A) He relishes the excitement of departing unexpectedly.

B) He consistently ensures his departures are marked by a cheerful farewell.

C) He experiences emptiness when he doesn’t recognize his farewells.

D) He sees good-byes as unnecessary formalities.

10

The Amazon Rainforest, spanning over five and a half million square kilometers, stands as the largest tropical rainforest globally, housing a staggering array of biodiversity. However, this rich ecosystem faces a significant threat from extensive deforestation, mainly fueled by agriculture, livestock farming, and illegal logging. As the "lungs of the Earth," the Amazon plays a vital role in global climate regulation and the carbon cycle, underscoring the urgent need to address its degradation.

According to the text, what is the primary reason for the threat to the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest?

A) Widespread deforestation driven by human activities.

B) Unpredicted disasters and lack of control.

C) Foreign species and illnesses triggered by deforestation.

D) Climate change and rising global temperatures.