Read the following passage about the The Changing Face of Pandemic Risk: How We Need to Adapt, Protect and Connect and mark the letter A, B,...

Read the following passage about the The Changing Face of Pandemic Risk: How We Need to Adapt, Protect and Connect 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 31 to 40.

The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board's latest assessment underscores that pandemic readiness has become the elephant in the room for international health security. As emerging pathogens proliferate while dormant diseases resurface with alarming frequency, nations cannot afford to sit on the fence regarding comprehensive preparedness strategies. [I] The COVID-19 crisis demonstrated catastrophic consequences when countries were caught off guard, necessitating a back-to-basics approach that prioritizes systematic resilience-building across all sectors while ensuring sustainable long-term planning mechanisms.

The first pillar, adaptation, requires governments to recalibrate their pandemic frameworks, addressing contemporary vulnerabilities and emerging technological challenges. Climate fluctuations, rapid urbanization, intercontinental mobility, and zoonotic transmission pathways create unprecedented challenges for global health security systems. Agricultural practices facilitating pathogen spillover, combined with misinformation campaigns and eroding public confidence, amplify societal susceptibility to widespread disease outbreaks. [II] Effective preparedness demands flexible methodologies that evolve alongside emerging threats while incorporating evidence-based scientific research and innovative surveillance technologies.

Protection encompasses fortifying healthcare infrastructure and expanding primary medical services, particularly for marginalized populations facing disproportionate health risks. Building community trust through transparent communication while combating infodemics becomes paramount for maintaining social cohesion during crisis periods. [III] The connecting pillar emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration where governments, health institutions, researchers, and private enterprises must coordinate knowledge-sharing, enhance surveillance systems, and streamline distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, and essential supplies through efficient global networks and strategic partnerships.

Ultimately, pandemic preparedness represents an investment in global stability rather than merely a healthcare consideration requiring immediate governmental attention. [IV] The economic disruption witnessed during COVID-19 highlighted how health crises devastate productivity, commerce, and international trade relationships across multiple industries. Strengthening preparedness mechanisms safeguards not only population wellness but also economic resilience and community well-being for future generations. By embracing adaptive strategies, protecting vulnerable constituencies, and fostering international cooperation through multilateral agreements, nations can construct a more secure, resilient world equipped to confront future health emergencies effectively while maintaining sustainable development goals.

https://www.who.int/lk

Question 31: The phrase “back-to-basics” in paragraph 1 has the closest meaning to _________.

A. build up                                        B. branch out                        C. boil down                                D. scale up

Question 32: All of the following are mentioned as challenges EXCEPT _________.

A. Climate fluctuations

B. Misinformation campaigns

C. Rapid urbanization

D. Cyber security threats

Question 33: Where in the paragraph does the following sentence best fit?

Therefore, traditional prevention methods remain insufficient for modern pandemic challenges.

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

Question 34: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.

A. governments

B. contemporary vulnerabilities

C. pandemic frameworks

D. emerging technological challenges

Question 35: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

A. Healthcare expansion and international collaboration for medical supply distribution during emergencies.

B. Healthcare strengthening, community trust building, and cross-sectoral collaboration for resource coordination.

C. Medical improvements for marginalized groups and international partnerships for coordinated responses.

D. Emergency protocols and communication systems to maintain supply stability during outbreaks.

Question 36: The word “surveillance” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

A. vigilance                                        B. scrutiny                                C. circumspection                        D. negligence

Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Enhanced readiness protects health, economic systems, and social structures for future populations.

B. Improved preparedness ensures medical care, financial security, and community stability across generations.

C. Strengthened readiness safeguards public health, economic stability, and social welfare for coming generations.

D. Better preparedness secures healthcare outcomes, economic growth, and community development for society.

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Traditional prevention methods are insufficient for modern pandemic challenges.

B. Climate change is the primary cause of global health security failures.

C. Healthcare expansion prioritizes developed nations over marginalized populations.

D. Economic disruptions from health crises affect only specific industrial sectors.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Countries with stronger pre-existing preparedness frameworks likely experienced less severe impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

B. Technological innovations represent the primary solution for overcoming contemporary challenges in global health security systems.

C. Economic considerations remain secondary concerns compared to immediate healthcare responses during pandemic crisis management periods.

D. Individual national responses prove sufficient for addressing cross-border health threats without requiring extensive international coordination.

Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. COVID-19 exposed critical weaknesses in traditional prevention methods, demonstrating the urgent need for adaptive healthcare frameworks and improved surveillance technologies.

B. Pandemic preparedness requires comprehensive multi-sectoral strategies involving adaptation, protection, and international collaboration to ensure both health security and global economic stability.

C. Healthcare infrastructure expansion and community trust-building represent the fundamental cornerstones for combating misinformation and maintaining social cohesion during health emergencies.

D. Contemporary health threats from emerging pathogens necessitate immediate governmental investment in evidence-based research and innovative technological solutions for disease prevention.