SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The Story and Benefits of Yogurt
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and benefits of yogurt:
Where did yogurt come from?
Yogurt is thought to have originated thousands of years ago in parts of Central Asia and the Middle East. Historians believe it was discovered accidentally when milk was stored in warm conditions and naturally fermented.
How did yogurt become popular in other regions?
Yogurt spread gradually through trade and migration. By the early 20th century, it had become better known in Europe, where it was often promoted as a healthy food. Improvements in refrigeration later made yogurt easier to transport and sell widely.
How is yogurt traditionally made?
Traditional yogurt production begins by heating milk and then cooling it slightly. Live bacterial cultures are added, and the mixture is left to ferment until it thickens. Some varieties are then strained to remove extra liquid and create a denser texture.
What are the health benefits of yogurt?
Yogurt can be a good source of protein, calcium, and beneficial bacteria. These bacteria may support digestive health, while the calcium contributes to strong bones and teeth. However, sweetened yogurts may contain large amounts of added sugar.
Questions 1–7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
In boxes 1–7 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
1.
Yogurt is believed to have first appeared in parts of Asia and the Middle East.
2.
Historians know exactly who invented yogurt.
3.
Yogurt became well known in Europe before the 20th century.
4.
Refrigeration helped yogurt become easier to distribute.
5.
Making yogurt traditionally involves adding bacterial cultures to milk.
6.
Yogurt may help support digestive health.
7.
All yogurts contain only small amounts of sugar.
Modern Headphones
Online customer reviews
A. Sarah
I recently bought a pair of wireless over-ear headphones, and I’m extremely pleased with them. The sound is rich, the design is sleek, and they arrived faster than expected in very secure packaging. They feel like a premium product from the moment you open the box.
B. Daniel
I purchased these headphones for commuting and for use in the office. The noise cancellation works well in both situations, and the controls are easy to learn. The only slight problem is that the ear cushions feel a bit firm during very long listening sessions.
C. Maya
The headphones I ordered looked fantastic online, but the silver colour was much darker in real life than I had expected. The sound quality is still good, but the difference in appearance was disappointing. At least they were simple to connect to my phone.
D. Ethan
These sports headphones are excellent. They are lightweight, stay in place while I run, and the battery lasts for ages. I also like the waterproof finish, which has been useful when exercising outdoors in light rain.
E. Grace
I bought two pairs because I couldn’t decide which colour to keep and ended up keeping both. They are comfortable and sound great. My only complaint is that the carrying pouch is smaller than I expected, so it takes a little effort to fit everything inside neatly.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of headphones, A–E.
For which review are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 8–14 on your answer sheet.
NB, You may use any letter more than once.
8.
The colour of the headphones did not match the website image.
9.
The customer appreciated the fast delivery and secure packaging.
10.
The headphones are useful in two different everyday situations.
11.
The headphones are described as good for outdoor exercise.
12.
The customer mentioned a part of the product was smaller than expected.
13.
The customer ended up keeping two items they bought.
14.
The customer found one part slightly uncomfortable during long use.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is a practical activity that offers a range of health, financial, and environmental benefits. It can be used both for transport and for recreation.
Physical Fitness
Regular cycling strengthens muscles, improves heart health, and increases stamina. It is also a low-impact form of exercise, making it suitable for many people.
Mental Health
Time spent cycling outdoors can reduce stress and improve mood. Many cyclists find that regular rides help them feel more energetic and focused.
Saving Money
Cycling can reduce spending on fuel, parking, and public transport. Over time, this can make a noticeable difference to personal finances.
Environmental Benefits
Because bicycles do not produce emissions while being used, cycling helps lower air pollution. It can also reduce traffic congestion when more people choose bikes instead of cars.
Convenience
In busy towns and cities, cycling can sometimes be a quicker way to travel short distances. It also makes it easier to combine exercise with daily routines such as commuting or shopping.
Questions 15–21
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15–21 on your answer sheet.
15.
Regular cycling can strengthen muscles and increase .
16.
Cycling outdoors may reduce stress and improve .
17.
Cycling can help people spend less money on fuel, parking, and public .
18.
Cycling helps lower air pollution because bicycles do not produce while in use.
19.
More cycling may also reduce traffic .
20.
Cycling can sometimes be a quicker way to travel short .
21.
It can be combined with daily such as commuting or shopping.
Problem-Solving Skills
Strong problem-solving skills are valuable in education, work, and everyday situations. Here are some useful approaches for improving them:
Understanding the Problem
Before trying to solve anything, it is important to understand exactly what the issue is. Asking questions and gathering information can help define the problem clearly.
Breaking It Down
Large or complex problems often become easier to manage when divided into smaller parts. This makes it simpler to identify possible solutions step by step.
Considering Options
Looking at several possible solutions helps people avoid rushing into poor decisions. Comparing advantages and disadvantages can lead to a better choice.
Testing Solutions
Sometimes the first idea does not work perfectly. Trying a solution, reviewing the result, and making changes if necessary is an important part of the process.
Learning from Experience
Reflecting on past problems and how they were handled can improve future performance. This helps people become more confident and adaptable.
Questions 22–27
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 22–27 on your answer sheet.
Tips for Improving Problem-Solving Skills
Tips for Improving Problem-Solving Skills
- Ask questions and gather 22 to define the problem clearly.
Breaking It Down:
- Divide large problems into smaller 23 .
Considering Options:
- Compare advantages and 24 before deciding.
Testing Solutions
- Review the 25 and make changes if needed.
Learning from Experience
- Reflecting on past problems can improve future 26 .
- This helps people become more confident and 27 .
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text.
The Development of Printing
A
Before printing was invented, books and documents had to be copied by hand. This process was slow and expensive, so written material was limited and often available only to wealthy people, religious institutions, or scholars.
B
Early printing methods included carving text into blocks of wood, covering them with ink, and pressing them onto paper. These techniques were used in parts of Asia long before printing developed in Europe.
C
A major change came in the 15th century with the development of movable type in Europe. This system made it possible to arrange individual letters more efficiently and print many copies of the same text much faster than before.
D
As printing spread, books became cheaper and more widely available. This supported the spread of literacy, education, scientific ideas, and political debate. Printed newspapers and pamphlets also changed the way information was shared.
E
Modern printing now includes digital methods as well as traditional presses. Although people increasingly read online, printed materials remain important in education, publishing, packaging, and advertising.
Questions 28–32
The text has five sections, A–E.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, **i-viii**, in boxes 28–32 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
i. The effects of printing on society
ii. Hand-copying before printing
iii. Why printed materials disappeared
iv. Early woodblock printing methods
v. The arrival of digital printing only
vi. Movable type speeds up production
vii. The end of education and publishing
viii. Printing in modern advertising
28.
Section A
29.
Section B
30.
Section C
31.
Section D
32.
Section E
Questions 33–37
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 33–37 on your answer sheet.
The evolution of printing
Before printing, books had to be copied by 33 . Early printing in Asia used carved wooden 34 covered with ink. In Europe, movable 35 made it faster to produce many copies of the same text. Printing later encouraged the spread of literacy, education, and scientific 36 . Today, printing is still important in packaging and 37 .
Questions 38–40
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 38–40 on your answer sheet.
38. What does the writer say about books before printing?
39. The writer mentions that movable type was important because it
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?