SECTION 1 Questions 1–14
Read the text below and answer Questions 1–7.
The History and Benefits of Honey
Here are some frequently asked questions about the history and benefits of honey:
How long has honey been used?
Honey has been used by humans for thousands of years. Evidence from ancient cave paintings suggests that people were collecting wild honey long before organised farming began. Later civilisations, including the Egyptians, valued honey as both a food and a medicine.
How did honey become widely traded?
As agriculture and trade developed, honey became an important product in many regions. Before sugar became common, honey was one of the main sweeteners used in food and drink. It was traded across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
How is honey traditionally produced?
Bees collect nectar from flowers and convert it into honey inside the hive. Beekeepers then remove the honeycomb, extract the honey, and filter it to remove wax and other particles. Some honey is heated gently before being placed into jars.
What are the health benefits of honey?
Honey contains natural sugars and small amounts of antioxidants. It is sometimes used to soothe sore throats and coughs, and it can provide a quick source of energy. However, like other sweet foods, it should still be consumed in moderation.
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.
Humans were collecting honey before organised farming existed.
2.
Ancient Egyptians used honey only as a medicine.
3.
Honey became less important after trade developed.
4.
Honey was used as a sweetener before sugar was widely available.
5.
Traditional honey production includes filtering the extracted honey.
6.
Honey may be used to soothe coughs.
7.
Honey can be consumed in unlimited amounts without concern.
Comfortable Chairs
Online customer reviews
A. Elena
I recently bought a wooden dining chair set, and I’m delighted with it. The design is simple but elegant, and the chairs arrived exactly when promised. Everything was packed securely, and assembly was straightforward. They look fantastic in my kitchen.
B. Marcus
I chose an office chair for both working at my desk and reading in the evening. It has excellent back support and adjustable settings, which make it very versatile. The only issue is that the armrests feel a little firm after long periods.
C. Aisha
The chair I ordered looked lovely online, but the fabric colour was darker than it seemed in the photos. I was disappointed by that, although the chair itself feels sturdy and comfortable. Delivery was smooth, and the instructions were clear.
D. Tyler
This outdoor folding chair has been excellent for camping trips. It is light to carry, easy to fold, and surprisingly strong. I also like the cup holder on the side, which is more useful than I expected.
E. Hannah
I bought two accent chairs because I couldn’t decide between the grey and the blue versions, and I ended up keeping both. The seat cushions are a bit smaller than I expected, but they still look great in the living room and are comfortable enough for guests.
Questions 8–14
Look at the five online customer reviews of chairs, 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 chair did not match the website image.
9.
The customer was pleased with the delivery and packaging.
10.
The chair is suitable for two different indoor activities.
11.
The chair is described as especially useful for camping.
12.
The customer mentioned one part of the chair 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 Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity that offers many physical and mental advantages. Because it can be adapted to different ages and fitness levels, it is suitable for a wide range of people.
Full-body exercise
Swimming uses many muscle groups at the same time. It can improve strength, stamina, and overall fitness without putting too much pressure on the joints.
Heart health
Regular swimming can support the cardiovascular system by raising the heart rate in a controlled way. This may help improve circulation and endurance.
Mental relaxation
Many people find that swimming helps them relax. The repeated movements and controlled breathing can reduce stress and improve mood.
Safety and confidence
Learning to swim is also a valuable life skill. It increases confidence in the water and can improve personal safety in everyday situations and holidays.
Accessibility
Because water supports the body, swimming can be easier for people with certain injuries or mobility issues than some land-based activities. This makes it a practical option for many learners and adults.
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.
Swimming can improve strength, stamina, and overall .
16.
Swimming places less pressure on the than some other activities.
17.
Regular swimming may improve circulation and .
18.
Controlled breathing in swimming can reduce stress and improve .
19.
Learning to swim can increase confidence in the .
20.
Swimming may be easier for people with some injuries or mobility .
21.
Water helps by the body.
Decision-Making Skills
Good decision-making is useful in work, study, and everyday life. Here are some approaches that can help people make better choices:
Gathering Information
Decisions are usually better when they are based on clear and relevant information. Taking time to collect facts and understand the situation can prevent rushed choices.
Identifying Priorities
People often need to decide what matters most before choosing between different options. This helps them focus on the most important goals and values.
Considering Consequences
Good decision-making involves thinking about what may happen after each choice. Looking at possible positive and negative results can lead to more balanced decisions.
Avoiding Impulse
Quick decisions made without enough thought can create problems later. Taking a short pause before choosing can improve judgment.
Reviewing Results
After a decision has been made, it is helpful to consider the outcome. This reflection can improve future choices and build confidence over time.
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 Better Decision-Making
Tips for Better Decision-Making
- Collect facts to avoid making 22 choices.
Identifying Priorities:
- Decide what matters most among different 23 .
Considering Consequences:
- Think about possible positive and negative 24 .
Avoiding Impulse
- Taking a short pause can improve 25 .
Reviewing Results
- Consider the 26 after making a decision.
- Reflection can improve future choices and build 27 .
SECTION 3 Questions 28–40
Read the text.
The Development of Photography
A
Before photography existed, people recorded images through painting and drawing. The idea of capturing light in a mechanical way developed gradually, helped by devices such as the camera obscura, which projected an image onto a surface.
B
In the 19th century, inventors created the first successful photographic processes. Early methods often required long exposure times, but they proved that images could be fixed permanently. Photography soon attracted scientific and public interest.
C
As technology improved, cameras became more practical and photography became available to a wider public. Portable cameras and roll film made it easier for ordinary people to take pictures, not just professionals.
D
The 20th century brought major changes, including colour photography and later digital imaging. These advances transformed the way people documented everyday life, news, and art. Photography became faster, cheaper, and more accessible.
E
Today, photography is part of daily communication. Smartphones allow millions of people to take, edit, and share images instantly. At the same time, professional photography continues to develop in fields such as science, journalism, fashion, 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. Photography in everyday digital life
ii. Early ideas before photography existed
iii. Colour photography disappears
iv. The first permanent photographic images
v. Photography becomes more widely available
vi. Why cameras stayed too expensive
vii. The return of painting and drawing
viii. 20th-century changes in photographic technology
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 photography
Before photography, images were recorded through painting and 33 . The camera obscura projected an image onto a 34 . Early photographic methods required long 35 times. Later, portable cameras and roll 36 made photography easier for ordinary people. Today, smartphones let people share images 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 photographic processes?
39. The writer mentions that portable cameras and roll film helped to
40. What would be the best subtitle for this text?