Do this exercise while you listen. Circle
True or False for each sentence.

1.There are four different age groups that play water polo.

2.Tyrone wants to join the under-14s club.

3.The under-16s water polo team train three times a week.

4.The under-16s train on Monday and Thursday.

5.Water polo matches are played on Saturdays.

6.You have to pay to join the water polo classes for under-18s.

7.You need to bring a photo to register at the swimming pool.

8.Training for the water polo team starts this week.

Circle the best option to complete each sentence.

9.The teacher wants the students to:

10.The teacher suggests eating:

11.The teacher suggests finding a study place with a lot of:

12.If students feel stressed, they should:

13.Students are advised to:

14.The teacher understands that repeating things can be:

15.Students can do past exam papers:

16.The teacher recommends a break of five minutes every:

17.It’s important to:

18.The teacher is sure that the students will:

Use of Language and Vocabulary

1. She has worked in the field ___ more than five years.

2.The lecture was difficult to follow ___ the speaker talked very quickly.

3.There isn’t ___ evidence to support this claim.

4.He suggested ___ the deadline by one week.

5.She was feeling unwell, ___ she decided not to attend the seminar.

6.This is the first time the university ___ such a policy.

7.The results ___ to all applicants by email last Friday.

8.He apologized for ___ the instructions incorrectly.

9.The course is designed ___ students develop academic writing skills.

10.If she ___ more carefully, she might have avoided the mistake.

11.The applicant, ___ academic background is strong, was accepted.

12.He is not as confident ___ he was at the beginning of the course.

13.The university expects all assignments ___ on time.

14.She speaks English ___ enough to participate actively in discussions

15.The decision was delayed ___ additional data became available.

16.He behaved ___ he fully understood the consequences.

17.Recent studies show that students ___ more engaged when lessons are interactive.

18.She objected to the way ___ the issue was handled.

19.This approach is ___ effective than the one previously used.

20.He admitted ___ sufficient time to prepare for the exam.

21.Applicants are required ___ proof of language proficiency.

22.The policy aims ___ improving access to higher education.

23.She would have chosen a different program ___ she had known about the workload.

24.The proposal was rejected, not ___ it lacked quality, but because of timing.

25.He found the reading list too extensive ___ complete within one semester.

26.Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves ___ the assessment criteria.

27.She demonstrated a level of independence ___ is expected at postgraduate level.

28.Little progress was made ___ the additional support provided.

29.He questioned whether the decision ___ taken without sufficient discussion.

30.The program is intended for students ___ plan to pursue academic careers.

31.Many people prefer to live in smaller towns because life there is generally more ___.

32.The company decided to ___ its services to meet changing customer needs.

33.Regular exercise can have a positive ___ on both physical and mental health.

34.The flight was delayed due to ___ weather conditions.

35.Many traditional jobs are being replaced as technology continues to ___.

36.She accepted the job offer ___ the long commuting time.

37.Governments are under increasing pressure to find ___ solutions to environmental problems.

38.The instructions were unclear, which led to several ___ during the process.

39.Social media can influence the way people ___ information and form opinions.

40.He remained ___ about the proposal until more details were provided.

Reading 1

In many countries, flexible working hours have become increasingly popular. Employees are no longer required to follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule and can often choose when they start and finish their workday. This flexibility allows people to better manage personal responsibilities, such as childcare or education.

Despite these advantages, flexible working arrangements are not suitable for everyone. Some employees struggle to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, which can lead to longer working hours. Others feel that they are less visible to managers and worry that this may affect career progression.

Nevertheless, many organizations continue to support flexible work policies. They believe that when employees are trusted to manage their time effectively, overall job satisfaction and productivity can improve.

Questions 41–45

41.Why have flexible working hours become popular?

In many countries, flexible working hours have become increasingly popular. Employees are no longer required to follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule and can often choose when they start and finish their workday. This flexibility allows people to better manage personal responsibilities, such as childcare or education.

Despite these advantages, flexible working arrangements are not suitable for everyone. Some employees struggle to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, which can lead to longer working hours. Others feel that they are less visible to managers and worry that this may affect career progression.

Nevertheless, many organizations continue to support flexible work policies. They believe that when employees are trusted to manage their time effectively, overall job satisfaction and productivity can improve.

Questions 41–45

42.What is one disadvantage mentioned in the text?

In many countries, flexible working hours have become increasingly popular. Employees are no longer required to follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule and can often choose when they start and finish their workday. This flexibility allows people to better manage personal responsibilities, such as childcare or education.

Despite these advantages, flexible working arrangements are not suitable for everyone. Some employees struggle to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, which can lead to longer working hours. Others feel that they are less visible to managers and worry that this may affect career progression.

Nevertheless, many organizations continue to support flexible work policies. They believe that when employees are trusted to manage their time effectively, overall job satisfaction and productivity can improve.

Questions 41–45

43.What does this refer to in the second paragraph?

In many countries, flexible working hours have become increasingly popular. Employees are no longer required to follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule and can often choose when they start and finish their workday. This flexibility allows people to better manage personal responsibilities, such as childcare or education.

Despite these advantages, flexible working arrangements are not suitable for everyone. Some employees struggle to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, which can lead to longer working hours. Others feel that they are less visible to managers and worry that this may affect career progression.

Nevertheless, many organizations continue to support flexible work policies. They believe that when employees are trusted to manage their time effectively, overall job satisfaction and productivity can improve.

Questions 41–45

44.How do some employees feel about flexible work?

In many countries, flexible working hours have become increasingly popular. Employees are no longer required to follow the traditional nine-to-five schedule and can often choose when they start and finish their workday. This flexibility allows people to better manage personal responsibilities, such as childcare or education.

Despite these advantages, flexible working arrangements are not suitable for everyone. Some employees struggle to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, which can lead to longer working hours. Others feel that they are less visible to managers and worry that this may affect career progression.

Nevertheless, many organizations continue to support flexible work policies. They believe that when employees are trusted to manage their time effectively, overall job satisfaction and productivity can improve.

Questions 41–45

45.What is the writer’s overall view of flexible working?

Reading 2 

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people communicate and access information. Social media platforms and online news sources now play a central role in shaping public opinion. While these tools offer greater connectivity and immediate access to global events, they also raise concerns about information reliability.

One major issue is the spread of misinformation, which can influence political decisions and social attitudes. Algorithms often prioritize content that attracts attention rather than accuracy, making it difficult for users to distinguish reliable sources from misleading ones. As a result, individuals are increasingly encouraged to develop critical digital literacy skills.

Governments and educational institutions have begun to respond by promoting media education initiatives. These efforts aim to help people evaluate information more effectively and participate responsibly in the digital environment.

Questions 46–50

46.What change in communication is described in the text?

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people communicate and access information. Social media platforms and online news sources now play a central role in shaping public opinion. While these tools offer greater connectivity and immediate access to global events, they also raise concerns about information reliability.

One major issue is the spread of misinformation, which can influence political decisions and social attitudes. Algorithms often prioritize content that attracts attention rather than accuracy, making it difficult for users to distinguish reliable sources from misleading ones. As a result, individuals are increasingly encouraged to develop critical digital literacy skills.

Governments and educational institutions have begun to respond by promoting media education initiatives. These efforts aim to help people evaluate information more effectively and participate responsibly in the digital environment.

Questions 46–50

47.What problem related to digital technology is highlighted?

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people communicate and access information. Social media platforms and online news sources now play a central role in shaping public opinion. While these tools offer greater connectivity and immediate access to global events, they also raise concerns about information reliability.

One major issue is the spread of misinformation, which can influence political decisions and social attitudes. Algorithms often prioritize content that attracts attention rather than accuracy, making it difficult for users to distinguish reliable sources from misleading ones. As a result, individuals are increasingly encouraged to develop critical digital literacy skills.

Governments and educational institutions have begun to respond by promoting media education initiatives. These efforts aim to help people evaluate information more effectively and participate responsibly in the digital environment.

Questions 46–50

48.Why are algorithms criticized in the text?

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people communicate and access information. Social media platforms and online news sources now play a central role in shaping public opinion. While these tools offer greater connectivity and immediate access to global events, they also raise concerns about information reliability.

One major issue is the spread of misinformation, which can influence political decisions and social attitudes. Algorithms often prioritize content that attracts attention rather than accuracy, making it difficult for users to distinguish reliable sources from misleading ones. As a result, individuals are increasingly encouraged to develop critical digital literacy skills.

Governments and educational institutions have begun to respond by promoting media education initiatives. These efforts aim to help people evaluate information more effectively and participate responsibly in the digital environment.

Questions 46–50

49.What is suggested as a solution to this issue?

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people communicate and access information. Social media platforms and online news sources now play a central role in shaping public opinion. While these tools offer greater connectivity and immediate access to global events, they also raise concerns about information reliability.

One major issue is the spread of misinformation, which can influence political decisions and social attitudes. Algorithms often prioritize content that attracts attention rather than accuracy, making it difficult for users to distinguish reliable sources from misleading ones. As a result, individuals are increasingly encouraged to develop critical digital literacy skills.

Governments and educational institutions have begun to respond by promoting media education initiatives. These efforts aim to help people evaluate information more effectively and participate responsibly in the digital environment.

Questions 46–50

50.What is the main purpose of the final paragraph?

✍️ WRITING SECTION 

Time: 30 minutes
Word limit: 150–200 words
Instructions:
Choose ONE of the topics below and write your answer in clear, connected paragraphs.
Use examples where appropriate..

Topic 1: Technology & Daily Life

“Smartphones: Our Best Friend or Biggest Distraction?”

Mobile phones have become an essential part of daily life for many people, especially young adults. Smartphones make communication easier and provide access to information, entertainment, and social media at any time.

Do you think smartphones make life easier and more enjoyable, or do they cause more problems than they solve?
Discuss both advantages and disadvantages, and support your ideas with examples from your own experience.

Topic 2: Education & Learning

“Traditional Schools vs Online Learning: Which Is Better for the Future?”

In recent years, many students have experienced both classroom-based education and online learning. Each approach has its own advantages and challenges.

In your opinion, which form of education is more effective for young people?
Consider factors such as motivation, social interaction, flexibility, and preparation for real-life situations.
Support your answer with examples.