SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The City Museum Visitor Pass
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the City Museum Visitor Pass:
What is the Visitor Pass?
The City Museum Visitor Pass is a ticket option that allows entry to the main museum building, the special exhibition hall, and one guided tour. It was introduced last spring to make museum visits simpler for both local residents and tourists.
How can people buy it?
Passes can be purchased through the museum's website or at the front desk on arrival. Visitors who buy online receive a digital confirmation, while desk purchases include a printed receipt and map of the site.
What does it cost?
Adults pay the full price, while students and children aged under twelve receive discounted rates. Entry to the museum café is free, but food and drinks must be paid for separately. Annual pass holders do not need to buy a Visitor Pass.
Are there any visiting rules?
Photography without flash is allowed in most permanent galleries, but it is prohibited in the special exhibition hall unless signs state otherwise. Large bags must be left in the cloakroom, and visitors are asked not to touch any objects on display.
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.
The Visitor Pass was first offered last year.
2.
The pass includes access to every guided tour the museum offers.
3.
Visitors may buy the pass online.
4.
People who purchase the pass at the front desk receive a printed map.
5.
Children under twelve can pay less than the full adult price.
6.
Food and drinks in the museum café are included in the pass price.
7.
Flash photography is permitted in all areas of the museum.
Stylish Desk Lamps
Online customer reviews
A. Mia
I wasn't sure whether to buy this lamp because it was more expensive than others I looked at, but I finally decided to try it. I'm pleased I did. The brass finish looks elegant on my desk, and the light is softer than I expected.
B. Ethan
This lamp is ideal for both work and reading in the evening. I use it in my home office during the day and beside the sofa at night. The black colour matches the online photos exactly, and the base feels very stable.
C. Kavya
The lamp looked great online, but the green shade was noticeably darker when it arrived. It still works perfectly well, although that colour difference was disappointing. The packaging was excellent, so it arrived without any damage.
D. Tom
I ordered the tall version first, but it was too high for the shelf where I wanted to put it. Swapping it for the smaller one solved the problem easily. Customer service was quick to respond and made the exchange straightforward.
E. Lina
I bought two of these lamps, one for my bedroom and one for the study, planning to return one. In the end I kept both. The only small issue is that the cable is shorter than I expected, so placement is a bit limited.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of lamps, 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 lamp did not match the website image.
9.
The customer chose to keep both lamps they had bought.
10.
The customer first ordered a lamp that was the wrong size.
11.
The customer mentioned one part of the lamp was shorter than expected.
12.
The customer was satisfied with the lamp after having doubts about the price.
13.
The lamp is described as suitable for more than one use.
14.
The customer was pleased with how well the lamp was packed.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Learning a Musical Instrument
Learning a musical instrument offers a wide range of advantages for people of all ages. Beyond the enjoyment of making music, it can support personal development in several important ways.
Improved concentration
Playing an instrument requires close attention to rhythm, pitch, and timing. Regular practice trains the brain to focus for longer periods, which can also be helpful in academic or professional settings.
Better coordination
Many instruments demand the use of both hands, careful finger movements, and controlled breathing. This helps strengthen coordination between the body and the mind.
Emotional expression
Music gives people a way to express feelings that may be difficult to explain in words. For many learners, playing an instrument is also relaxing and can reduce feelings of stress.
Social connection
Joining an orchestra, band, or choir creates opportunities to meet others and work towards shared goals. Group music-making encourages listening, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.
Persistence and discipline
Progress on an instrument takes time. Learners must practise regularly, correct mistakes, and keep going even when improvement feels slow. This develops patience and self-discipline.
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.
Practising an instrument can improve by training the brain to focus for longer.
16.
Controlled breathing and finger movements help develop better .
17.
Playing music can help reduce feelings of stress and support emotional .
18.
Group music-making encourages cooperation and a sense of .
19.
Learners improve by practising regularly and correcting .
20.
Learning an instrument can build patience and self- .
21.
Progress may feel at times, but learners should continue.
Moving to a new apartment in an organised way
Moving home can be exciting, but it is also one of the most stressful experiences people face. Careful planning helps make the process smoother and reduces the chances of things being forgotten or damaged.
Before moving day
Start by making a checklist of the most important tasks. This should include informing utility companies, updating your address, and booking a removal service if necessary. It is also sensible to sort through your belongings early and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Pack items room by room and label each box clearly. Keep essential documents, chargers, medication, and a few clothes in a separate bag so that they are easy to reach on the first night.
On the day itself
Make sure that pathways are clear and that fragile items are protected properly. If friends are helping, give them simple instructions so that boxes end up in the correct rooms. Before leaving your old home, do a final check of cupboards, drawers, and storage areas.
After arriving
Unpack the most necessary things first, such as bedding, kitchen supplies, and toiletries. Then check that important services like electricity, water, and internet are working. Taking meter readings straight away can also prevent billing problems later.
-
First stage – preparation
Make arrangements with service providers and remove anything you no longer need. -
Second stage – packing
Label boxes and keep vital items somewhere easy to access. -
Third stage – settling in
Unpack essentials first and confirm that the main household services are functioning properly.
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.
The best way to move house
Prepare a 22 of important tasks before moving.
Before the move:
- update your address and inform utility 23 .
- keep medication, documents, and a few clothes in a separate 24 .
On moving day:
- protect fragile items and keep all 25
clear.
- check cupboards and drawers before leaving.
After arriving:
- unpack the most necessary 26 first.
- take meter readings quickly to avoid future 27
.
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text below and answer Questions 28–40.
The History of Libraries
A
Libraries have existed for thousands of years. Some of the earliest examples were found in ancient Mesopotamia, where clay tablets were collected and stored for administrative and scholarly purposes. These early collections were limited to a small educated elite rather than the general population.
B
In the ancient world, the Library of Alexandria became famous for its ambition to gather knowledge from many different cultures. Although much about it remains uncertain, it symbolised the idea of the library as a centre of learning and intellectual exchange.
C
During the medieval period, many books were preserved in monasteries and religious institutions. Copying texts by hand was slow and expensive, so books remained rare. Libraries of this time were mainly places for preservation rather than broad public access.
D
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century transformed libraries. Books could now be produced more quickly and cheaply, which increased literacy and made collections grow. Over time, more libraries opened to students, researchers, and eventually the wider public.
E
In the modern age, libraries continue to change. Many now provide digital catalogues, e-books, study spaces, community events, and internet access in addition to printed materials. Their role has expanded from storing books to supporting education, inclusion, and public life.
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. Libraries in the digital era
ii. Early collections in Mesopotamia
iii. The role of monasteries in preserving books
iv. The influence of the printing press
v. A symbol of international knowledge
vi. The decline of public reading
vii. Why books became less important
viii. Libraries as entertainment centres only
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 development of libraries
Some of the earliest libraries contained clay 33 in Mesopotamia. The Library of 34 became famous as a centre of learning. In the medieval period, many books were preserved in 35 and other religious institutions. The invention of the 36 press helped books become cheaper and more available. Today, libraries also provide digital materials and community 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 the Library of Alexandria?
39. The writer mentions that the printing press helped to
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?