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. The g...

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.

The gig economy provides extra income.

        A gig is a part-time job, sometimes termed “non-standard work,” performed by freelancers for a limited amount of time.  The gig economy burst onto the scene in 2009, after the 2007–08 financial crisis, during which more people with traditional jobs needed a second profession to make ends meet. This goes along with the tech explosion that allowed people to work from virtually anywhere, and the inception of the ever-expanding universe of apps and websites such as Airbnb, Uber, and Postmates.

        Joining the gig economy can not only relieve some or all of the stress of living without a financial cushion, but it can also provide quick money for anything from a medical emergency to a vacation, so you don’t have to dip into savings or retirement funds. Gig work can also fill in when too few hours are available for working a primary job in a downturn or a seasonal slump, as is common, for example, in the construction industry.

        While kids and teens have been in the gig economy for eons via babysitting and mowing lawns, the new gig economy offers these younger workers an organized platform (rather than knocking on neighbors’ doors) and more fruitful options, from dog walking and tutoring to programming, website design, and social media management. Kids and teens can work toward purchasing their own sports equipment, gaming consoles, beauty hauls, or saving for college, providing them with entrepreneurial work experience and a financial education not generally provided by schools. They learn self-management skills and experience the pride of earning on their own.

        And who knows? Today’s side hustle may be tomorrow’s full-time career or successful start-up. Influencers, hoteliers, franchisees, transportation magnates, many started out as side businesses. Kids and adults alike gain valuable experience and earn money while finding their passion or removing unsuitable ones.

(Adapted from Britannica – gig economy debate)

Question 22. The phrase 'burst onto the scene' in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ____________.

        A. suddenly appeared                                        B. slowly reduced

        C. quietly developed                                        D. gradually disappeared

Question 23. According to paragraph 1, all of the following factors contributed to the initial appearance of the gig economy EXCEPT ____________.

        A. the limited working hours of freelancers.

        B. a need for extra income following a financial crisis.

        C. the increase in the number of apps and websites.

        D. a rise in remote working powered by technology.

Question 24. The word 'fruitful' in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

        A. invaluable                B. obsolete                        C. meaningful                        D. worthless

Question 25. The word 'them' in paragraph 3 refers to ____________.

        A. kids and teens        B. schools                        C. beauty hauls                D. gaming consoles

Question 26. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Both young and old workers acquire beneficial skills and income, potentially discovering their career path or exploring unsuitable professions.

B. While earning money, adults and children are not guaranteed to find their true passion, even if their initial professional choices are unsuitable.

C. Children and adults find the careers they like and earn money, even if they end up disliking the roles.

D. The benefit for individuals of all ages in the gig economy is the immediate financial reward rather than finding suitable professions.

Question 27. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

        A. Gig work is only beneficial for individuals facing significant financial hardship.

        B. The gig economy emerged due to a surplus of available full-time jobs.

        C. The gig economy supports people whose work is going through a difficult period.

        D. The gig economy offers workers more diverse opportunities than traditional methods.

Question 28. In which paragraph is the positive impact of gig work on choosing a career menioned?

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

Question 29. In which paragraph does the author mention that the gig economy provides a solution for an emergency situation?

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