SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The History and Benefits of Tea
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and benefits of tea:
Where did tea originate?
Tea is believed to have originated in ancient China, where legends connect its discovery to Emperor Shen Nong around 2737 BC. Over time, tea drinking became an important part of Chinese culture and later spread to other parts of Asia.
How did tea reach Europe?
Tea arrived in Europe during the 17th century through trade routes controlled by Dutch and Portuguese merchants. At first, it was expensive and mainly enjoyed by wealthy households before becoming more widely available.
How is tea traditionally processed?
Traditional tea production starts with picking young leaves. The leaves are then withered, rolled, oxidised in some types of tea, and dried. The exact process depends on whether the tea is made into green, black, oolong, or other varieties.
What are the health benefits of tea?
Tea contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage. Some studies suggest that tea can support heart health, improve alertness, and contribute to hydration. However, drinks with added sugar should still be consumed carefully.
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.
Tea is thought to have first been discovered in China.
2.
Tea became part of Chinese culture only after it spread to other parts of Asia.
3.
Tea was introduced to Europe in the 18th century.
4.
Tea was initially mainly consumed by wealthy Europeans.
5.
Making tea traditionally involves picking and drying the leaves.
6.
Tea may help improve alertness.
7.
Every type of tea drink is equally healthy, no matter how much sugar it contains.
Elegant Lamps
Online customer reviews
A. Nina
I bought a brass reading lamp for my study, and I’m very happy with it. The design is stylish without being too flashy, and it gives off a warm light that’s perfect for evening reading. It arrived quickly and was packed very securely. I’d definitely buy from this company again.
B. Leo
I chose a desk lamp for work and general use at home. It has adjustable brightness levels and a flexible neck, which makes it very practical. The only downside is that the switch is placed in an awkward position. Customer service responded politely when I asked about it.
C. Priya
The lamp I ordered looked fantastic online, but the shade colour was darker than it seemed in the photos. It still works well, although I was disappointed by that difference. On the positive side, the base feels sturdy and the lamp was easy to assemble.
D. Mason
This bedside lamp has been excellent. It charges my phone wirelessly and includes a small clock display, which I didn’t expect to use as much as I do. The light is soft, and the battery backup is surprisingly reliable during short power cuts.
E. Chloe
I ordered two lamps because I couldn’t decide between the white and charcoal finishes, intending to return one. In the end I kept both, since they look great in different rooms. The lamp shades are a little smaller than I expected, but that hasn’t been a major problem.
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 appreciated the customer service.
10.
The customer liked the attractive design and quick delivery.
11.
The lamp has several features and is suitable for everyday use.
12.
The customer mentioned a part of the lamp was smaller than expected.
13.
The customer ended up keeping both lamps they bought.
14.
The lamp includes useful technology and a reliable battery backup.
SECTION 2 Questions 15–27
Read the text below and answer Questions 15–21.
The Benefits of Reading Regularly
Reading regularly can have a powerful impact on daily life. It offers a range of advantages for learning, well-being, and communication.
Mental Stimulation
Reading keeps the mind active by introducing new ideas, information, and ways of thinking. This mental exercise can improve concentration and strengthen memory over time.
Stress Reduction
Spending time with a good book can be relaxing and help people disconnect from daily pressures. Even a short reading session may reduce stress and support emotional well-being.
Language Development
Reading exposes people to a wider range of vocabulary, sentence structures, and styles of expression. This can improve writing and speaking skills in both academic and everyday settings.
Knowledge Growth
Books, articles, and essays give readers access to information on many topics. As a result, reading can expand general knowledge and encourage curiosity about the world.
Imagination
Fiction in particular encourages readers to picture places, characters, and events. This can strengthen creativity and help people think more imaginatively.
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.
Reading can improve concentration and strengthen .
16.
A short reading session may reduce stress and support emotional .
17.
Reading can improve writing and skills.
18.
Reading may expand general and encourage curiosity.
19.
Fiction can strengthen by encouraging readers to imagine places and events.
20.
Reading introduces new ideas and ways of .
21.
Exposure to a wider range of can improve language skills.
Time Management Strategies
Managing time effectively is important in study, work, and daily life. Here are some strategies that can help people use their time more wisely:
Prioritisation
Start by identifying the most important tasks. Focusing on high-priority work first can prevent smaller, less useful activities from taking over the day.
Planning
Writing a schedule or to-do list makes tasks easier to organise. Clear plans help people see what needs to be done and how much time is available.
Avoiding Distractions
Phones, social media, and unnecessary interruptions can reduce productivity. Turning off notifications and setting boundaries can help people stay focused.
Taking Breaks
Short breaks are useful because they help maintain energy and concentration. Working for long periods without a pause often reduces efficiency.
Reviewing Progress
Looking back at what has been completed helps people recognise successes and improve future planning. Regular review can also show where time is being wasted.
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 Managing Time Effectively
Tips for Managing Time Effectively
- Identify the most important tasks first to improve 22 .
Planning:
- Write a schedule or to-do 23 .
Avoiding Distractions:
- Turn off notifications and set 24 to remain focused.
Taking Breaks
- Short breaks help maintain 25 .
Reviewing Progress
- Reviewing work helps people recognise 26 and improve planning.
- It can also show where time is being 27 .
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text.
The Development of Public Transport
A
Public transport has played an important role in the growth of towns and cities. In earlier times, people often travelled on foot, by horse, or by simple carts. As urban populations increased, there was a greater need for organised ways to move larger numbers of people efficiently.
B
In the 19th century, horse-drawn buses and trams became common in many cities. These services made urban travel more predictable and affordable. They also helped people live farther from where they worked.
C
The introduction of electric trams and underground railways transformed city travel. These systems could carry more passengers, move faster, and reduce some of the problems created by horse-drawn vehicles. They became symbols of modern urban life.
D
In the 20th century, buses became more flexible because they did not need tracks. At the same time, private car ownership increased, which changed travel habits and reduced the use of public transport in some places. Governments later responded by investing in larger transport networks and integrated ticketing.
E
Today, public transport systems include buses, trains, trams, ferries, and shared mobility services. Modern transport planning often focuses on sustainability, accessibility, and reducing traffic congestion. Digital ticketing and real-time travel information have also improved the passenger experience.
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. Modern priorities in transport planning
ii. The effect of private car ownership
iii. Early demand for organised city travel
iv. Electric systems change urban transport
v. Why walking disappeared completely
vi. Horse-drawn services in growing cities
vii. Shared mobility replaces trains
viii. The decline of all public transport
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 public transport
In the past, many people travelled on foot, by horse, or by simple 33 . In the 19th century, horse-drawn buses and 34 became common in cities. Later, electric systems and underground railways improved speed and increased the number of 35 . In the 20th century, buses were valued for their 36 because they did not require tracks. Today, digital ticketing and real-time information improve the passenger 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 horse-drawn buses and trams?
39. The writer mentions that electric trams and underground railways were important because they
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?