READING PASSAGE 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading Passage 1 below.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. Stretching over 13,000 miles, it was originally built to protect the Chinese states and empires from various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The wall as we see it today was mainly constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest sections of the wall were built as early as the 7th century BC. These sections were made of compacted earth and wood, and the construction methods evolved significantly over the centuries. The Ming Dynasty builders used bricks and stone, and the construction involved hundreds of thousands of labourers, including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners.
The primary purpose of the wall was defence. It was equipped with watchtowers, signal towers, and troop barracks, making it a formidable barrier against invasions. The wall's effectiveness as a defence mechanism has been a subject of debate among historians. While it did help protect against raids, it was not always successful in stopping large-scale invasions.
Several myths surround the Great Wall, including the belief that it is visible from space. This misconception has been debunked by astronauts and satellite imagery, which show that the wall is not visible to the naked eye from space without aid.
The Great Wall also played a significant role in the control of trade along the Silk Road. It helped to protect merchants and their goods as they travelled between China and other parts of Asia. The wall's watchtowers were used not only for military purposes but also for observing and managing trade.
In addition to its defensive and economic roles, the Great Wall has immense cultural significance. It symbolises the strength and resilience of Chinese civilization. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of tourists from around the world.
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the Great Wall. Sections of the wall have suffered from erosion, vandalism, and the impact of tourism. The Chinese government, along with international organisations, has been working to ensure that this historical monument is protected for future generations.
Questions 1–8
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 1–8 on your answer sheet.
The Great Wall of China
Construction
Stage 1:
- the earliest sections were constructed from 1 and wood.
- later sections were made of 2 and stone
Stage 2:
- main objective of the wall was 3
- equipped with watchtowers, signal towers, and troop barracks
- played a role in protecting trade along the 4
Stage 3:
- helped protect merchants and goods
- also served for 5 functions.
Preservation Efforts
- recent efforts include preservation and restoration
- damaged by erosion, vandalism, and 6
- Chinese government, in collaboration with 7 , has been striving to preserve this historical monument for 8 .
Questions 9–13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 9–13 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
9.
The Great Wall was originally built to protect against invasions from Europe.
10.
The construction methods for the Great Wall evolved significantly over time.
11.
The Great Wall is visible from space without aid.
12.
The watchtowers on the Great Wall were used solely for military purposes.
13.
The Great Wall has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
Electric Cars: The Future of Transportation
Electric cars (EVs) are revolutionising the transportation industry. Unlike traditional vehicles that run on gasoline or diesel, EVs are powered by electricity stored in batteries. The shift towards electric cars is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
One of the significant advantages of electric cars is their environmental impact. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution in urban areas. Moreover, as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more prevalent, the overall carbon footprint of electric cars decreases.
Another benefit of electric cars is their efficiency. Electric motors convert more energy from the battery to power the vehicle's wheels compared to internal combustion engines. This efficiency translates to lower operating costs for EV owners. Additionally, electric cars require less maintenance since they have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles.
The development of battery technology is crucial to the success of electric cars. Advances in lithium-ion batteries have increased the range and reduced the charging time for EVs. However, the limited range of some electric cars remains a concern for potential buyers. To address this issue, car manufacturers are investing in research and development to create batteries with higher energy densities.
Charging infrastructure is another critical factor in the adoption of electric cars. Public charging stations are becoming more common, and governments are offering incentives to encourage their installation. Home charging solutions are also improving, allowing EV owners to charge their vehicles conveniently overnight.
Despite these advancements, electric cars face several challenges. The initial cost of purchasing an EV can be higher than that of a traditional vehicle. However, government subsidies and incentives can help offset this cost. Additionally, the production of batteries involves mining for lithium and cobalt, which raises environmental and ethical concerns.
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation as major car manufacturers commit to producing more electric models. Companies like Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet have already made substantial investments in EV technology. Traditional automakers like Ford and General Motors are also entering the electric car market, signalling a shift in the industry's future.
In conclusion, electric cars represent a promising solution to the environmental and economic challenges posed by traditional vehicles. While there are still hurdles to overcome, the continued development of battery technology and charging infrastructure will play a vital role in the widespread adoption of electric cars.
Questions 14–19
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 14–19 on your answer sheet.
14. What point does the writer make about electric cars in the first paragraph?
15. What is the writer doing in the second paragraph?
16. Why does the writer mention battery technology in the fourth paragraph?
17. What challenge does the writer refer to in the fourth paragraph?
18. What does the writer suggest about the future of electric cars in the fifth paragraph?
19. Which of the following best summarises the writer’s argument in the eighth paragraph?
Questions 20–23
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Reading Passage 2?
In boxes 20–23 on your answer sheet, write
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
20.
Electric vehicles generate no emissions from their tailpipes.
21.
The cost of electric cars is currently higher than traditional vehicles.
22.
Government incentives can reduce the expense of electric vehicles.
23.
The production of electric car batteries has no environmental impact.
Questions 24–26
Complete the summary using the list of phrases, A–F, below.
Write the correct letter, A–F, in boxes 24–26 on your answer sheet.
Using Electric Cars
Electric cars (EVs) are transforming the transportation industry. They are powered by electricity stored in batteries, unlike traditional vehicles that run on 24 . The environmental benefits of EVs are significant, as they produce zero tailpipe emissions. Advances in 25 have increased the range and reduced the charging time for EVs. However, the initial cost of purchasing an EV can be higher. To address this, 26 can help offset the cost and encourage more people to buy electric cars.
A government incentives
B gasoline
C renewable energy
D battery technology
E traditional vehicles
F public charging stations
READING PASSAGE 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome, one of the most powerful civilizations in history, has left a lasting legacy on the modern world. Founded in 753 BC, Rome expanded from a small city-state into a vast empire that, at its height, controlled much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Rome's success can be attributed to several factors, including its military prowess, innovative engineering, and effective governance. The Roman army was one of the most disciplined and formidable fighting forces of its time. Roman engineers built an extensive network of roads, aqueducts, and buildings that have stood the test of time. The political system, which included a Senate and various magistrates, allowed for efficient administration and adaptability.
However, Rome's expansion also brought significant challenges. The sheer size of the empire made it difficult to govern effectively. Political corruption, economic troubles, and social inequality began to erode the stability of the state. The reliance on slave labour further exacerbated economic disparities and hindered technological progress.
The decline of Rome was a gradual process that took place over several centuries. The empire faced constant threats from external enemies, including Germanic tribes, Persians, and Huns. Internal strife, such as civil wars and power struggles, weakened the central authority. In 476 AD, the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.
Despite its fall, Rome's influence persisted. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive for another thousand years. Roman law, culture, and language had a profound impact on the development of Western civilization. Latin, the language of the Romans, became the foundation for many modern languages, including Italian, French, and Spanish.
The Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in the art and knowledge of antiquity, saw a revival of Roman ideals. Architects, artists, and scholars drew inspiration from Roman achievements, leading to significant developments in various fields. The legal principles established by Roman jurists influenced the creation of modern legal systems.
Today, the remnants of ancient Rome can be seen in archaeological sites across Europe and the Mediterranean. Monuments like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum attract millions of visitors each year. These sites serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Roman civilization.
In recent years, historians and archaeologists have continued to uncover new insights into Roman life. Advances in technology, such as ground-penetrating radar and DNA analysis, have provided a deeper understanding of Rome's history and its people. These discoveries help paint a more comprehensive picture of one of history's greatest empires.
Questions 27–33
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3?
In boxes 27–33 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
27.
Ancient Rome has created an enduring impact on the contemporary world.
28.
The Roman army was known for its discipline and effectiveness.
29.
Rome's decline was solely due to external invasions.
30.
Roman law had no influence on modern legal systems.
31.
Latin serves as the basis for numerous contemporary languages.
32.
The Renaissance witnessed a resurgence of fascination with Roman principles.
33.
Technological progress has improved historians' understanding of Roman life.
Questions 34-40
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 34–40 on your answer sheet.
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome expanded from a small city-state into a sprawling 34 that dominated much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Rome's achievements were attributed to its military strength, engineering advancements, and efficient 35 Nevertheless, the vastness of the empire made governance challenging, and political 36 , economic difficulties, and social inequality undermined its stability. Rome faced threats from external enemies, including Germanic tribes, Huns and 37 . The Eastern Roman Empire, commonly referred to as the 38 Empire, continued to thrive after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Rome's impact endured into the Renaissance, which saw a resurgence of Roman 39 . Today, archaeological sites like the Colosseum and The Pantheon draw millions of 40 annually.
