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...

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.

Although smell is often considered the least valued of the five senses, scientists now understand that it forms one of the most immediate links between the brain and the outside world. A scent can reach the area of the brain connected with emotions and memories in just two seconds, which partly explains why certain aromas can instantly trigger vivid recollections. Yet the precise mechanism behind this influence remains unclear, (18) ____________.

Nevertheless, smell also (19) ____________. Apparently, people respond more strongly to subtle chemical cues than they realise, and even first impressions can be shaped by scent. Many individuals tend to be attracted to those (20) ____________. Interestingly, people also smell of what they eat, which may further affect how they are perceived.

In consumer behaviour, the impact of scent has become a topic of substantial interest. In one well- known study, a majority of participants reported being more willing to buy a pair of trainers when the shop environment smelled pleasantly floral. (21) ____________. The use of fragrance has gradually become a marketing tool across different industries. Today, many companies deliberately integrate scent into their branding strategies to create welcoming environments and encourage customers to stay longer. However, experts warn that scent-based persuasion has its limits. (22) ____________.

Question 18.

A. even though scientists have already found some clues about how it works

B. because many people still do not pay attention to their sense of smell

C. so researchers have stopped all experiments related to the topic

D. but most experts agree that smell affects emotions very strongly

Question 19.

A. plays a surprisingly important role in social interaction

B. help people understand certain feelings during simple daily conversations

C. affecting the way we react to others when we first meet them

D. works as a main tool for solving difficult mathematical problem

Question 20.

A. whose scent appears incompatible with their own body chemistry

B. who appear to have no noticeable scent in the daily life at all

C. whose natural smell seems to align with their own body chemistry

D. who constantly try to mask their natural smell with strong perfumes

Question 21.

A. This demonstrates how carefully people assess the objective quality of a product

B. Such findings suggest that environmental cues can subtly shape purchasing decisions

C. The study concluded that floral shops are the most effective retail spaces

D. Customers primarily buy products based on visual design rather than scent

Question 22.

A. Most customers cannot detect any attempt to influence them through scent

B. People always respond positively to pleasant smells regardless of context

C. Scent-based strategies work only when combined with loud music and bright lighting

D. Consumers may resist such tactics if they feel the intention behind them is too obvious