SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The History and Benefits of Rice
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and benefits of rice:
Where did rice cultivation begin?
Rice has been cultivated for thousands of years, with early evidence pointing to parts of Asia, especially China and India. From there, rice farming gradually spread to other regions with suitable climates and water supplies.
How did rice become a global food?
As trade networks expanded, rice moved between continents and became an important staple in many cuisines. Its ability to grow in wet conditions and feed large populations made it especially valuable.
How is rice traditionally prepared after harvest?
After harvesting, rice grains are separated from the stalks, dried, and milled to remove the outer layers. Some rice is then polished, while other types are left less processed. The grains are later cooked by boiling, steaming, or other regional methods.
What are the nutritional benefits of rice?
Rice provides carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy. Brown rice also contains more fibre and nutrients than more highly processed white rice. However, the nutritional value depends on the type of rice and how it is prepared.
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.
Early rice cultivation began in parts of Asia.
2.
Rice farming spread only to cold and dry regions.
3.
Rice became important in many cuisines as trade developed.
4.
All rice is polished after milling.
5.
Rice may be cooked by boiling or steaming.
6.
Brown rice generally contains more fibre than white rice.
7.
Every kind of rice has exactly the same nutritional value.
Travel Jackets
Online customer reviews
A. Ethan
I bought this travel jacket for a city break, and I’m really pleased with it. The design is smart, the fabric feels high quality, and it arrived exactly when promised in excellent packaging. It also folds down more neatly than I expected.
B. Clara
I use this jacket for commuting to work and for weekend walks. It suits both situations well because it looks tidy enough for the office but is still comfortable outdoors. The only small issue is that the cuffs feel a bit tight after several hours.
C. Yusuf
The jacket itself is well made, but the navy colour was noticeably darker than it looked in the online photos. That was disappointing. Still, the zip is smooth and the inside pocket is very practical.
D. Hana
This lightweight jacket has been excellent for hiking trips. It packs away easily, keeps out light rain, and has a hood that adjusts very quickly. I didn’t expect to use that feature so often, but it has been very helpful.
E. Felix
I ordered two jackets in different colours because I couldn’t decide which one to keep, and in the end I kept both. The storage pouch included with them is a little smaller than I expected, so getting the jacket back inside takes some patience.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of jackets, 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 jacket did not match the website image.
9.
The customer was pleased with the delivery and packaging.
10.
The jacket is suitable for two different situations.
11.
The jacket is described as especially useful for hiking.
12.
The customer mentioned one extra item was smaller than expected.
13.
The customer ended up keeping two items they bought.
14.
The customer found one part slightly uncomfortable after long use.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Playing Chess
Chess is a strategic game that can offer a range of mental and social benefits. People of many different ages enjoy it both competitively and casually.
Concentration
Chess requires players to focus closely on the board, possible moves, and the actions of their opponent. This can help strengthen concentration over time.
Planning
Success in chess often depends on thinking ahead. Players learn to consider consequences, make plans, and adapt when the situation changes.
Patience
Many games take time and careful thought. Chess encourages players not to rush their decisions, which can develop patience and self-control.
Memory
Remembering patterns, openings, and previous games can help players improve. For this reason, chess may support memory and problem-solving skills.
Social interaction
Chess clubs, school teams, and tournaments give people opportunities to meet others with similar interests. This can build friendships and confidence.
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.
Chess can help strengthen because players must focus closely.
16.
Good chess players often think ahead and make .
17.
Chess can develop patience and self- .
18.
Remembering openings and patterns may support .
19.
Chess clubs and tournaments provide chances for social .
20.
Meeting others through chess can help build and confidence.
21.
Chess may support problem-solving .
Conflict Resolution Skills
The ability to resolve conflict is important in workplaces, schools, families, and communities. Here are some useful approaches for handling disagreements effectively:
Listening Calmly
People are more likely to cooperate when they feel heard. Listening carefully and without interruption can help reduce tension and reveal the real cause of a problem.
Staying Respectful
Even during disagreement, respectful language and behaviour are essential. This makes it easier to discuss difficult issues without making the situation worse.
Looking for Solutions
Instead of focusing only on blame, effective conflict resolution looks for practical solutions. A good outcome often involves compromise and willingness from both sides.
Managing Emotions
Strong emotions can make disagreement harder to solve. Taking time to calm down before responding can improve judgment and communication.
Reflecting Afterwards
Thinking about what caused the conflict and how it was resolved can help prevent similar problems in future. This reflection can strengthen relationships and communication skills.
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 Resolving Conflict
Tips for Resolving Conflict
- Listening without interruption can reduce 22 .
Staying Respectful:
- Respectful behaviour makes difficult issues easier to 23 .
Looking for Solutions:
- Effective solutions often involve 24 .
Managing Emotions
- Taking time to calm down can improve 25 .
Reflecting Afterwards
- Reflection may help prevent similar 26 in the future.
- It can also strengthen relationships and communication 27 .
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text.
The Development of Museums
A
Long before modern museums existed, wealthy individuals and rulers collected objects such as artworks, sculptures, and unusual natural items. These early collections were usually private and intended to display status, curiosity, or learning.
B
Over time, collections became more organised and began to attract wider interest. In some places, institutions were established to preserve objects of artistic, scientific, or historical importance for public benefit.
C
During the 18th and 19th centuries, public museums expanded in number and influence. They became places where visitors could learn about history, culture, and science. At the same time, museums reflected the values and priorities of the societies that created them.
D
In the 20th century, museums increasingly focused on education and public engagement. Exhibitions were designed to be more informative, and many museums introduced guided tours, school programmes, and interactive displays.
E
Today, museums continue to change. Digital collections, online tours, and multimedia exhibits have expanded access to visitors around the world. Modern museums also pay more attention to inclusion and the variety of stories they present.
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. Museums in the digital age
ii. Private collections before public museums
iii. Why museums became less educational
iv. Collections organised for public benefit
v. Public museums grow in importance
vi. Museums abandon history and science
vii. Interactive approaches in the 20th century
viii. The end of guided tours
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 museums
Before modern museums, wealthy people collected artworks and unusual natural 33 . Later, institutions were created to preserve objects for public 34 . In the 18th and 19th centuries, museums became places for learning about history, culture, and 35 . In the 20th century, many museums introduced school programmes and interactive 36 . Today, online tours and digital collections have expanded 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 early collections before museums?
39. The writer mentions that 20th-century museums changed by
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?