Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.

PROJECT PHOENIX: OCTOBER PROGRESS REPORT

Overall Status: On Track (1) ______ schedule.

Key Achievements:

• The front-end team has successfully completed the (2) ______ sleek mobile interface.
• We have resolved (3) ______ minor hurdles regarding the API integration.
• Our team is currently testing the user authentication flow to ensure it (4) ______ with international security protocols.

Next Steps:

(5) ______ we anticipate a smooth launch, we will hold a brief sync-up meeting on Friday to discuss the remaining milestones. Please find the exhaustive list of completed tasks (6) ______ to this email.

Question 1.         A. in light of                B. in favor of                 C. by means of         D. ahead of

Question 2.         A. new impressive ergonomic                 B. ergonomic new impressive                         C. impressive ergonomic new
D.  impressive new ergonomic

Question 3.         A. few                         B. a few                C. every                 D. another

Question 4.         A. assigns                 B. resigns                 C. designs
D.  aligns

Question 5.         A. While                 B. Because                 C. Since                 D. Unless

Question 6.         A. attached                 B. involved                 C. consisted                 D. enclosed

Read the following announcement and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 7 to 12.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Global Scholars Fellowship 2026

The University of Oxford is proud to announce its latest scholarship program (7) ______ at supporting students from conflict-affected regions. We are looking for candidates who demonstrate (8) ______ academic potential and a commitment to social reform.

Application Details:

Candidates (9) ______ meet the eligibility criteria must submit a research proposal. This initiative seeks to (10) ______ the gap between theoretical research and grassroots activism. We have (11) ______ a wide array of funding partners to ensure full tuition coverage. The (12) ______ of our student body remains our greatest strength as we strive for global equity in education.

(Adapted from https://www.bbc.com/news/education)

Question 7.         A. aiming                 B. aimed                 C. to aim                 D. was aimed

Question 8.         A. exception                 C. exceptionally         D. except
B.  exceptional

Question 9.         A. which                 C. whose                 B. who                         D. whom

Question 10.         A. bridge                 B. widen                 C. ignore                 D. create

Question 11.         A. roped in                 B. phased out                 C. worn down                 D. backed out

Question 12.         B. scarcity                 A. diversity                C. solitude                 D. uniformity

Mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best arrangement of utterances or sentences to make a cohesive and coherent exchange or text in each of the following questions from 13 to 17.

Question 13.

A. To stimulate this resurgence, regional policymakers swiftly implemented robust fiscal packages aimed at bailing out struggling local enterprises.

B. Alongside that industrial rebound, a sudden surge in foreign direct investment catalyzed the expansion of advanced technological hubs.

C. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial meltdown, the Pacific Rim region embarked on a remarkable trajectory of economic revitalization.

D. Therefore, through strategic government interventions and diverse investments, the affected region successfully navigated its way back to sustainable prosperity.

e. Bolstered by these emergency funds, the manufacturing sector recovered rapidly, effectively stabilizing employment rates across the hardest-hit provinces.

A.  c – b – e – a – d        B. a – c – e – b – d        C. c – a – e – b – d        D. c – e – a – d – b

Question 14.

Dear Professor Davis,

A. Since the university's submission portal strictly closes on November 15th, I would highly appreciate your timely assistance with this matter.

B. Having consistently excelled in your Advanced Macroeconomics seminar, I believe your academic endorsement would profoundly strengthen my candidate profile.

C. Thank you immensely for your continuous guidance, and I eagerly await your positive response.

D. I am writing to respectfully request your support in providing a strong letter of recommendation for my upcoming graduate school application.

e. To seamlessly facilitate this process, I have attached my updated curriculum vitae and a detailed statement of purpose for your review.

Yours sincerely,

Emily Chen

A.  b – d – a – e – c        B. d – e – b – c – a        C. b – e – d – a – c
D.  d – b – e – a – c

Question 15.

A. Customer: Excellent, we will have one portion of that and two glasses of sparkling water.

B. Waiter: Our roasted duck with plum sauce is exceptional and deeply loved by our patrons.

C. Customer: Could you recommend a signature dish? We want something highly rated by your chef.

A.  c – b – a                B. b – c – a                C. a – c – b                D. c – a – b

Question 16.

A. Leo: Would you rather go budget backpacking or indulge in luxurious travel experiences?

B. Leo: We should definitely appreciate the unique rewards that both travel styles provide.

C. Mia: Backpacking builds character, whereas luxury travel is what I currently lean towards.

D. Mia: I agree; navigating those rugged challenges fosters profound self-discovery and lasting camaraderie.

e. Leo: Luxury is wonderfully comfortable, but backpacking teaches unparalleled resilience and survival skills.

A.  a – e – c – b – d        B. c – a – d – e – b
C.  a – c – e – d – b        D. e – a – b – c – d

Question 17.

A. Following that, I established strict boundaries and enrolled him in behavioral obedience training.

B. In reality, he chewed up my favorite shoes and turned the living room upside down.

C. I bought numerous plush toys, expecting him to settle down quickly and peacefully.

D. This demanding experience nurtured my patience and forged an unbreakable bond between us.

e. Fostering a hyperactive rescue puppy initially appeared to be a wonderfully heartwarming endeavor.

A.  e – c – b – a – d        B. e – b – c – d – a        C. c – e – b – a – d        D. e – c – a – b – d

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 22.

Navigating the modern financial landscape is a challenge that many young adults are ill-prepared to face. Teenagers today are bombarded with credit card offers and "buy now, pay later" schemes, (18) ________. The consequences of financial ignorance are severe. A young person without a solid understanding of interest rates (19) ________ before they even secure their first full-time job. This cycle of debt is difficult to break without early intervention. (20) ________. Educators and parents are realizing that teaching algebra is of little use if a student cannot balance a checkbook or understand a mortgage. Schools are beginning to integrate personal finance into the core curriculum to combat this issue. (21) ________. Ultimately, financial freedom is a skill, not a gift. (22) ________, considering that the ability to manage money is the foundation upon which all other adult responsibilities rest.

(Adapted from The Financial Times)

Question 18.

A.  that are designed to exploit their lack of experience and desire for instant gratification

B.  each of which is designed to exploit their lack of experience and desire for instant gratification

C.  many of which are designed to exploit their lack of experience and desire for instant gratification

D.  most of them designed to exploit their lack of experience and desire for instant gratification

Question 19.

A.  prone to making impulsive decisions that lead to long-term financial distress

B.  is prone to making impulsive decisions that lead to long-term financial distress

C.  to be prone to making impulsive decisions that lead to long-term financial distress

D.  having been prone to making impulsive decisions that lead to long-term financial distress

Question 20.

A.  In contrast, high schools are removing financial literacy courses to focus on mathematics

B.  Therefore, students are advised to avoid high schools that teach financial literacy

C.  Consequently, there is a growing movement to mandate financial literacy courses in high schools

D.  It is surprising that high schools have always prioritized financial literacy in their curriculum

Question 21.

A.  Understanding compound interest is not just math, but a critical tool for preserving future wealth

B.  While compound interest is a math concept, it has no relation to preserving future wealth

C.  It is unnecessary to understand compound interest to preserve future wealth

D.  Preserving future wealth is unrelated to the understanding of compound interest

Question 22.

A.  Such vital knowledge is it that it should be considered a fundamental human right

B.  Vital though this knowledge is, it should not be considered a fundamental human right

C.  This knowledge is vital, though it is rarely considered a fundamental human right

D.  So vital is this knowledge that it should be considered a fundamental human right

Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than five millimetres, have infiltrated virtually every ecosystem on Earth, and their presence in human bodies has become an urgent scientific concern. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, synthetic textiles, and personal care products, entering our bodies through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Recent studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, and placental tissue, raising alarming questions about long-term health implications. Researchers estimate that the average person consumes approximately five grams of plastic weekly, though actual health consequences remain poorly understood.

The potential health impacts have sparked intense debate within the medical community. Laboratory experiments suggest these particles may trigger inflammatory responses, disrupt endocrine function, and serve as vectors for toxic chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A. However, critics argue that most research uses animal subjects with concentrations far exceeding human exposure levels, making direct extrapolation problematic. They emphasise the need for rigorous epidemiological studies tracking long-term outcomes. Meanwhile, preliminary evidence indicates that microplastics can cross cellular membranes and accumulate in organs, potentially interfering with essential biological processes. The plastic industry contests these findings, claiming current exposure levels pose negligible risks.

Environmental advocacy groups have intensified pressure on governments and corporations to address the crisis through comprehensive regulatory frameworks. They demand mandatory labelling of products containing microbeads, restrictions on single-use plastics, and investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure capable of filtering microscopic particles. Marine biologists warn that aquatic ecosystems face catastrophic disruption as microplastics concentrate in food chains, ultimately affecting seafood consumed by humans. Coastal populations show higher microplastic loads due to seafood-heavy diets, creating a vicious cycle where ocean pollution directly impacts human wellbeing through dietary pathways.

Technological solutions face significant obstacles despite considerable research investment. Developing filtration systems that capture particles measuring mere microns requires engineering innovations that remain economically prohibitive for widespread implementation. Fabric manufacturers have experimented with designs releasing fewer synthetic fibres during washing, but consumer adoption rates remain disappointingly low. Some scientists propose enzymatic treatments that could break down plastics into harmless compounds, though these technologies require decades of development before commercial viability. The fundamental issue persists: reducing microplastic pollution demands systemic changes in production, consumption, and waste management practices that current economic models resist.

(Adapted from https://www.nationalgeographic.com)

Question 23. The word phthalates in paragraph 2 can be best replaced by ______.

A.  chemicals                        B. proteins                C. nutrients                D. antibodies

Question 24. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 1 as a source of microplastic particles?

A.  Decomposition of large plastic items                B. Synthetic clothing materials

C.  Industrial manufacturing emissions                D. Personal hygiene products

Question 25. The word They in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A.  governments                B. corporations        C. advocacy groups        D. frameworks

Question 26. The word resist in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ______.

A.  oppose                        B. support                C. reject                D. challenge

Question 27. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 2?

A.  Initial research suggests microplastics penetrate cell barriers and gather in body organs, possibly disrupting vital functions.

B.  Scientists have conclusively proven that microplastics cause severe organ damage and biological system failures.

C.  Preliminary studies show microplastics remain outside cells and pose no threat to biological processes.

D.  Evidence confirms microplastics only accumulate in blood vessels without affecting other organs or functions.

Question 28. Which paragraph mentions innovations in textile design to reduce pollution?

A.  Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 2                C. Paragraph 4        D. Paragraph 3

Question 29. Which of the following is FALSE according to paragraph 3?

A.  Environmental groups advocate for comprehensive regulations addressing microplastic contamination.

B.  Coastal communities demonstrate elevated microplastic concentrations from consuming marine food sources.

C.  Marine ecosystems remain largely resilient against microplastic accumulation in food webs.

D.  Wastewater treatment improvements are demanded to filter out microscopic plastic particles.

Question 30. Which paragraph mentions the difficulty of translating animal research to human contexts?

A.  Paragraph 1        B. Paragraph 3                C. Paragraph 4        D. Paragraph 2

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 31 to 40.

The traditional university degree, once the undisputed golden ticket to a stable career, is seeing its dominance challenged in the global labor market. In its place, a new currency is emerging: micro-skills. Employers are increasingly bypassing generic diplomas in favor of candidates who can demonstrate mastery in niche areas such as prompt engineering, blockchain analysis, or data crisis management. [I] Unlike broad academic qualifications that take years to acquire, these are hyper-specific competencies designed to address immediate industry needs. This shift represents a move from hiring based on potential to hiring based on proven capability.

This paradigm shift is primarily driven by the relentless pace of technological evolution. Traditional curricula often struggle to keep up with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and big data, rendering some textbooks obsolete before they even reach the classroom. [II] Consequently, companies are prioritizing agility over pedigree. They seek individuals who possess the granular know-how to navigate complex digital tools right now, rather than those with theoretical knowledge that requires extensive retraining. The gap between a static academic syllabus and dynamic market reality has necessitated a more targeted approach to talent acquisition.

The appeal of micro-skills lies in their verification and applicability. A portfolio showcasing a successful project using Python scripts to automate a workflow is often far more persuasive than a transcript listing a passing grade in "Computer Science 101." [III] This "show, don't tell" approach democratizes the job market, opening doors for self-taught talent and career switchers who may lack formal education but possess the requisite capabilities. It creates a meritocratic environment where demonstrated ability trumps social background or alumni status, fostering a more diverse and dynamic workforce.

However, this does not spell the absolute end of the university degree. Higher education still provides foundational critical thinking and soft skills that are invaluable for long-term leadership and strategic planning. [IV] Instead, the future likely holds a hybrid model where foundational degrees are continuously supplemented by stackable micro-credentials. Lifelong learning is no longer a corporate buzzword; it is a survival strategy for the modern professional who wishes to remain relevant in an ever-changing economy.

(Adapted from Forbes)

Question 31. Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A.  The speed of technological advancement is forcing companies to value practical skills over the reputation of a candidate's university.

B.  Traditional universities have completely stopped using textbooks because they cannot keep up with the changes in artificial intelligence.

C.  Companies prefer hiring candidates with theoretical knowledge because they are easier to retrain than those with practical skills.

D.  The primary reason for the rise of micro-skills is that academic syllabuses are becoming too difficult for modern students to master.

Question 32. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 1?

A.  Instead of general degrees, companies now prefer applicants who show expertise in specialized fields like data management or prompt engineering.

B.  Employers are avoiding candidates with niche skills in favor of those holding generic diplomas from prestigious universities.

C.  Mastery in prompt engineering is the only qualification employers look for, bypassing all other forms of academic achievement.

D.  Candidates with generic diplomas are increasingly bypassing employers who demand mastery in complex areas like blockchain analysis.

Question 33. The word pedigree in paragraph 2 mostly means ______.

A.  educational background                                        B. physical strength

C.  honest character                                                D. financial status

Question 34. The phrase It in paragraph 3 refers to ______.

A.  formal education                                                B. job market                        

C.  this approach                                                D. self-taught talent

Question 35. According to paragraph 1, micro-skills differ from broad academic qualifications because they are ______?

A.  designed to address long-term leadership goals                

B.  hyper-specific and address immediate needs

C.  based on potential rather than proven capability

D.  acquired over a period of many years

Question 36. Where in the passage does the following sentence best fit?

For instance, the ability to effectively command a Large Language Model is now often more valued than a general IT certificate.

A.  [II]                                B. [III]                                C. [IV]                        D. [I]

Question 37. What is the main advantage of micro-skills mentioned in paragraph 3?

A.  They are easier to list on a transcript than traditional grades.

B.  They allow companies to avoid hiring self-taught talent.

C.  They rely on theoretical knowledge rather than practical application.

D.  They are verifiable through portfolios and applicable to real tasks.

Question 38. The word requisite in paragraph 3 mostly means ______.

A.  highly essential                B. slightly optional                C. barely needed        D. legally banned

Question 39. Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A.  University degrees are becoming useless as companies only care about micro-skills like prompt engineering and data management.

B.  The labor market is shifting towards valuing specific, verifiable micro-skills due to rapid tech changes, leading to a hybrid educational future.

C.  Self-taught talent is replacing university graduates in all fields because traditional education fails to teach critical thinking skills.

D.  Employers are struggling to find talent because micro-skills are too difficult to verify compared to traditional university transcripts.

Question 40. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A.  Soft skills and critical thinking are no longer necessary for professionals aiming for leadership positions.

B.  Professionals who refuse to engage in continuous learning will likely struggle to maintain their relevance in the economy.

C.  The only way to acquire micro-skills is through expensive corporate training programs rather than self-study.

D.  Universities will soon stop offering long-term degrees in favor of short-term micro-credential courses.