The Future of Car Ownership

 PART 5 – MULTIPLE-CHOICE READING

Questions 31–36

Read the text and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which best answers the questions.

The Future of Car Ownership

For decades, car ownership was considered a symbol of independence and prosperity. In many countries, obtaining a driving licence and purchasing a first vehicle represented a significant milestone in a person's life. Today, however, this long-established relationship with the car appears to be changing.

One reason is economic. Fuel prices, insurance premiums and maintenance costs have increased considerably. For many young adults, especially those living in cities, owning a car no longer seems financially attractive. Public transport systems have improved in many urban areas, while ride-sharing services have provided an alternative means of transport.

Technology has also played a role. The growth of remote working has reduced the need for daily commuting. In the past, travelling to an office five days a week was the norm. Today, many employees work from home for at least part of the week, reducing the necessity of owning a vehicle.

Environmental concerns are another important factor. Growing awareness of climate change has encouraged some people to reduce their dependence on private cars. Cycling and public transport are increasingly viewed as responsible alternatives rather than inconvenient compromises.

Despite these trends, experts warn against assuming that car ownership will continue to decline indefinitely. Economic recovery, population growth and expanding suburban developments could all increase demand for private vehicles in the future. Furthermore, car ownership is still rising rapidly in many developing countries where economic growth is creating new opportunities for consumers.

What is clear is that attitudes towards cars are becoming more complex. While ownership may no longer represent the same aspirations it once did, the car remains an important part of modern life.

Questions

31. What is the main purpose of the text?

A To explain why governments should ban private cars

B To compare different public transport systems

C To describe changing attitudes towards car ownership

D To encourage people to cycle more often

 

32. Why do many young adults choose not to own a car?

A They dislike driving.

B Public transport is free.

C Driving licences are harder to obtain.

D The costs associated with car ownership are high.

33. According to the text, what has reduced the need for daily commuting?

A The growth of remote working

B Rising fuel prices

C Improved cycling infrastructure

D Environmental campaigns

34. What does the writer suggest about public transport?

A It is replacing cars completely.

B It is often viewed as a practical alternative.

C It is only useful in large cities.

D It is becoming less popular.

35. Why do experts advise caution when predicting future trends?

A Governments may ban private vehicles.

B Environmental concerns may disappear.

C Car ownership could increase again in some circumstances.

D Public transport systems may collapse.

36. Which statement best reflects the writer's conclusion?

A Cars will soon disappear from cities.

B Car ownership is no longer relevant.

C Environmental issues have solved traffic problems.

D People's relationship with cars is becoming more complicated.

Protecting Wildlife

 PART 2 – OPEN CLOZE

Questions 9–16

For questions 9–16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only ONE word for each gap.

Protecting Wildlife

Climate change is affecting ecosystems across the world. Many species are struggling to adapt to changing conditions, and some may disappear altogether.

Not (9) ______ scientists begun to understand the full consequences of global warming did governments start taking action.

One of the greatest threats is habitat destruction. Forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development, leaving animals with nowhere to live. Some species are now on the brink (10) ______ extinction.

Conservationists argue that protecting habitats is every bit as important (11) ______ protecting individual animals. They also point out that public education can have a significant effect (12) ______ people's behaviour.

Many environmental organisations depend upon donations  (13) ______  members of the public. Without such support, they would struggle to carry (14) ______ their conservation programmes.

Fortunately, awareness of environmental issues has increased. More consumers are cutting (15) ______ on waste and choosing products with less packaging. If this trend continues, there is hope (16) ______ future generations will inherit a healthier planet.

Green Transport: A Changing Landscape

 PART 1 – MULTIPLE-CHOICE CLOZE

Questions 1–8

For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.

Green Transport: A Changing Landscape

Traffic congestion has become one of the most serious problems facing modern cities. During rush hour, long traffic (1) ______ develop on roads leading into urban centres, increasing fuel consumption and frustration among commuters.

Environmental groups have repeatedly warned about the effects of vehicle emissions. (2) ______, many local authorities have invested heavily in cleaner forms of transport, including electric buses and cycling networks.

Some critics claim that individual efforts are only a (3) ______ in the ocean when compared with the scale of global environmental challenges. Others disagree and argue that collective action can bring about significant change.

Young adults are also altering their travel habits. Instead of purchasing cars, many choose to rely (4) ______ public transport or shared mobility services.

Researchers have noticed another interesting trend. (5) ______ had remote working become widespread than traffic volumes began to decline in several major cities.

(6) ______, some experts remain cautious. They point out that economic growth could encourage people to return to private vehicles. Nevertheless, governments are determined to press (7) ______ with sustainable transport policies while environmental organisations continue to campaign (8) ______ stricter emissions standards.

Questions

1.  

A chains

B files

C queues

D columns

2.  

A Consequently

B Unexpectedly

C Admittedly

D Mysteriously

3.  

A piece

B drop

C grain

D tip

4.  

A from

B by

C on

D with

5.  

A Rarely

B Hardly

C Never

D Little

6.  

A Fortunately

B Happily

C Predictably

D Admittedly

7.  

A on

B over

C about

D ahead

8.  

A over

B for

C about

D with

The Price of Fame

 

Part 2 – Open Cloze (Items 9–16)

For questions 9–16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap.

The Price of Fame

Many people dream (9) ______ becoming famous. They imagine travelling the world, meeting interesting people and earning large amounts of money. However, life in the public eye is not always as enjoyable (10) ______ it seems.

Celebrities are expected to behave well because millions of people look (11) ______ to them. As a result, they often feel pressure to set a good example. In addition, journalists may follow them everywhere, making it difficult (12) ______ maintain any privacy.

Some famous people admit (13) ______ they regret certain comments they made when they were younger. Others say they would not change anything because their mistakes helped them learn.

Whether fame is a positive experience depends (14) ______ the individual. Some enjoy the attention, whereas others prefer to stay (15) ______ of the spotlight whenever possible. What is certain, however, is that fame brings challenges (16) ______ well as opportunities.

Technology and Everyday Life

 

PART 1 – Multiple Choice Cloze (8 items)

For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.

Technology and Everyday Life

Technology has completely changed the way people communicate. Instead of writing letters, many people now use social media and instant messaging to keep in (1) ______ with friends and relatives.

Scientists continue to make important (2) ______ in areas such as medicine and renewable energy. New devices are also becoming more user-friendly and affordable.

Many businesses now (3) ______ online meetings instead of requiring staff to travel long distances. This saves both time and money. However, some experts believe that people are becoming too dependent (4) ______ technology.

Despite these concerns, there is little doubt that technological (5) ______ have improved many aspects of modern life. From mobile phones to satellites, innovations continue to play a vital (6) ______ in society.

Of course, technology also creates challenges. Users need to protect their personal (7) ______ and learn how to identify unreliable information. Nevertheless, most people would agree that the benefits (8) ______ the disadvantages.

1. A touch B contact C relation D communication
2. A discoveries B inventions C breakthroughs D findings
3. A carry out B make C perform D complete
4. A on B in C at D with
5. A develops B developments C developing D developed
6. A role B task C position D job
7. A information B data C knowledge D facts
8. A overcome B exceed C outweigh D defeat

Four Media Professionals

 

PART 7 – Multiple Matching (10 items)

Read the texts about four media professionals and answer questions 43–52. Choose from A–D.

Four Media Professionals

A – TV Presenter

I've worked as a television presenter for nearly ten years, and one of the things I enjoy most is meeting a wide variety of people. Every programme introduces me to different guests, each with their own experiences and perspectives. No two days are exactly the same, which keeps the job interesting.

Presenting live television can be exciting, but it also requires concentration. Unlike recorded programmes, there is very little opportunity to correct mistakes once the broadcast has started. Technical problems occasionally occur, such as microphones failing or video clips not playing at the right moment. When that happens, I have to stay calm and continue speaking while the production team solves the issue. Fortunately, experience has taught me how to react quickly and confidently in unexpected situations.

Although the work can sometimes be stressful, I still enjoy the energy and unpredictability of live broadcasting.

---

B – Investigative Journalist

Being an investigative journalist requires patience, determination and attention to detail. Some of my projects take several weeks or even months to complete because every piece of information must be checked carefully before publication. Accuracy is extremely important, especially when reporting on issues that affect the public.

Much of my work is done independently. I spend hours reading documents, conducting interviews and comparing sources to make sure the facts are correct. At times, the workload can be demanding and the deadlines challenging. There are also occasions when a story leads nowhere despite weeks of research.

However, discovering information that helps people better understand an important issue makes all the effort worthwhile. Knowing that my work can contribute to transparency and accountability is one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.

---

C – Social Media Influencer

Many people assume that being a social media influencer means travelling constantly, attending glamorous events and taking photographs all day. While those things sometimes happen, the reality is far more demanding than most people imagine.

Creating content requires careful planning, scripting, filming, editing and responding to followers. A short video that lasts only a few minutes may represent several hours of work behind the scenes. In addition, I need to stay informed about trends and maintain a regular posting schedule.

One aspect of the job that I find difficult is the lack of privacy. Because so much of my life is shared online, people often feel that they know me personally. Although I appreciate the opportunities that this career has given me, there are moments when I wish I could enjoy more private time away from public attention.

---

D – Radio Presenter

I have always enjoyed communicating with people, which is one reason I became a radio presenter. Unlike television presenters, I never appear on screen, so listeners focus entirely on my voice and what I have to say. This creates a different type of connection with the audience.

A large part of my programme involves interacting directly with callers. People phone in to share opinions, ask questions or discuss current events. I find these conversations fascinating because they allow me to hear a wide range of viewpoints and experiences.

Working in radio also offers a degree of freedom. Since appearance is not important, the emphasis is on communication skills, personality and the ability to engage listeners. For me, helping create meaningful discussions is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job.

Which person...

43. says appearance is not important in their job? ______
44. mentions having little privacy? ______
45. enjoys communicating directly with the audience? ______
46. talks about solving unexpected problems? ______
47. works mainly by investigating information? ______
48. says people have an inaccurate idea of their work? ______
49. finds their job rewarding despite difficulties? ______
50. mentions working independently? ______
51. says listeners concentrate on one aspect of them? ______
52. enjoys meeting a variety of people? ______

Why Some People Become Famous

 

PART 6 – Gapped Text (6 items)

Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A–G. There is one extra sentence that you do not need to use.

Why Some People Become Famous

Fame has always fascinated people. From actors and musicians to athletes and online influencers, many individuals dream of becoming well known. Modern technology has made this easier than ever before, allowing ordinary people to reach large audiences through social media platforms and video-sharing websites.

37 ______

For some, public recognition arrives after years of hard work and dedication. Others become famous almost overnight because of a single event, performance, or viral video. Regardless of how it happens, fame often brings significant changes to a person's daily life.

Many celebrities say that the public only sees a small part of who they really are. Interviews, photographs and social media posts create an image that audiences recognize, but this image is often carefully selected and may not reflect reality completely.

38 ______

This lack of privacy can sometimes be frustrating. Even simple activities such as going shopping, meeting friends or spending time with family may attract unwanted attention. As a result, many celebrities learn to be cautious about what they share publicly.

39 ______

Fans often admire famous people and pay close attention to their behaviour, fashion choices and opinions. Consequently, celebrities may feel pressure to act responsibly because they know their actions can influence others, particularly younger audiences.

Despite these challenges, fame can also provide valuable opportunities. Public figures often have access to platforms that allow them to communicate important messages to large numbers of people.

40 ______

For example, many actors, musicians and athletes use their popularity to promote environmental campaigns, support charitable organizations or encourage people to participate in social causes. Their visibility can help bring attention to issues that might otherwise receive little coverage.

However, media attention is not always positive. Newspapers, television programmes and online publications frequently report on celebrities' personal lives, and some members of the press may follow them closely in search of stories.

41 ______

This constant attention can become exhausting and stressful over time. Some celebrities choose to accept it as part of their profession, while others make deliberate efforts to protect their personal lives from public scrutiny.

42 ______

Ultimately, whether fame is a positive or negative experience depends largely on the individual. While some people thrive in the spotlight and enjoy the opportunities it provides, others find the pressures difficult to manage and eventually decide that a quieter life would be preferable

Sentences

A. This can make ordinary activities difficult.

B. For this reason, some regret becoming famous.

C. Others use their popularity to help different communities.

D. In many cases, they cannot keep personal matters secret.

E. Yet fame is not always as enjoyable as it appears.

F. The public often expects celebrities to be role models.

G. Many people dream of becoming famous one day.