Read the following passage about The 2023 Air Quality Crisis and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answ...

Read the following passage about The 2023 Air Quality Crisis 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.

During summer 2023, North American air quality faced a serious crisis when Canadian wildfires burned over forty million acres of forest. These huge fires forced thousands to leave their homes while creating enormous smoke clouds that moved southward across national borders. The resulting air pollution affected millions of Americans, especially those living in northeastern and midwestern regions. This environmental disaster showed how natural disasters can quickly spread beyond one country's borders.

After twenty years of steady improvements, America's air quality suddenly got worse throughout 2023. Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) levels reached heights not seen since 2007, while ground-level ozone measurements matched those recorded in 2012. Forty-two states recorded their highest summer particle pollution readings within a decade, and forty-five experienced increased ozone amounts. Such widespread decline reversed decades of environmental progress, shocking scientists who had celebrated steady improvement.

Several states suffered very serious impacts from these pollutants. California, Oregon, and North Dakota faced extreme amounts of tiny particles that entered deep into residents' lungs. Meanwhile, California, Utah, Texas, and Illinois saw dangerous ozone levels that threatened public health. City populations in these areas faced breathing problems, with hospitals reporting more patients arriving for respiratory issues and heart problems.

This disaster revealed basic weaknesses in current climate preparation strategies. Despite strong environmental laws, developed nations remain at risk from extreme weather events made worse by global warming. Experts stress that complete international cooperation, better fire prevention methods, and updated healthcare plans are necessary for handling future risks. The 2023 experience serves as a clear warning that protecting air quality requires working together across national borders.

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Question 23: According to the passage, all of the following are mentioned EXCEPT _________.

A. Canadian wildfires burned over forty million acres of forest in 2023

B. Hospitals reported more patients with respiratory and heart problems

C. The economic cost of the air quality crisis exceeded billions of dollars

D. Forty-five states experienced increased ozone amounts during summer 2023

Question 24: The word “their” in paragraph 1 refers to _________.

A. The Canadian wildfires

B. The smoke clouds

C. The Americans affected by pollution

D. Thousands of people

Question 25: The word “Fine” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

A. Dense                                        B. Coarse                                C. Moderate                                                D. Substantial

Question 26: The word “saw” in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by _________.

A. examined                                        B. prevented                                C. experienced                                        D. anticipated

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Even with strict environmental regulations, wealthy countries still face significant dangers from climate change-intensified severe weather conditions.

B. Strong environmental policies enable developed nations to effectively manage most extreme weather risks caused by global warming.

C. Developed nations with environmental laws are beginning to address extreme weather events through global warming prevention measures.

D. Environmental legislation in wealthy countries has reduced but not eliminated threats from extreme weather and climate change.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Canadian wildfires burned exactly forty million acres, forcing permanent American evacuations.

B. Forty-two states recorded decade-high particle pollution; forty-five had increased ozone.

C. Only California suffered both extreme particle pollution and dangerous ozone levels.

D. PM₂.₅ levels in 2023 exceeded all historical records including 2007 measurements.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention how many states experienced increased ozone amounts?

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

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention what solutions are suggested for future preparation?

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