[I]. If you’ve done any traveling at all, you’re likely quite aware that customs and etiquette differ from one culture to another: what may be perfectly innocuous in one place may be hideously offensive in another, and vice-versa. [II]. Granted, even if you haven’t traveled at all, you’re probably aware of the fact that certain types of behavior aren’t exactly acceptable in other countries: belching at the table may be a sign of gratitude in some places, but in most areas of North America and Europe, such a display will earn you a fair bit of ire. [III]. Whether you plan on traveling to any of the places listed below or just doing business with a foreign client, it’s important to educate yourself on the standards of politesse and etiquette beforehand-the last thing you want to do is offend someone with any ignorant, boorish behavior. [IV]. Here’s how to be polite in different countries.

When dealing with Japanese clients, be sure to dress fairly conservatively, and make sure that you bow lower than they do upon meeting them. Accept gifts with both hands and open them later, not in front of the giver, and never blow your nose at the dining table. Avoid asking and answering direct questions: it’s better to imply rather than ask, and to answer with vagueness during conversations.

In Kenya, when greeting someone older or of a higher status than yourself, grip their right wrist with your left hand while shaking it; it’s a sign of respect and deference. Do ask questions about their health, family, business etc. before getting to major topics, as skipping these niceties is seen as impolite. If sharing meals, do not begin eating until the eldest male has been served and starts to eat.

Turning down an alcoholic drink is considered terribly offensive in Russia, so it’s a good idea to fortify yourself with some greasy food before heading out for a meal with Russian or Ukrainian clients. Don’t smile at strangers or they’ll think you’re deranged, and when paying for items, place your money on the counter rather than trying to hand it directly to the cashier.

(Adapted from https://www.lifehack.org/)

Question 31. Where in paragraph I does the following sentence best fit?
"Cultural differences in behavior can lead to unintended offense in certain regions."
A. [I]                         B. [II]                                 C. [III]                         D. [IV]

Question 32: The word "offensive" in paragraph 1 is CLOSEST in meaning to:

A. Insulting                B. Respectful                        C. Encouraging                D. Acceptable

Question 33. The word "they" in paragraph II refers to ____.
A. people in North America                                B. most areas of North America
C. the people who belch at the table                        D. the people in some places

Question 34. According to paragraph II, which of the following is NOT acceptable behavior in North America and Europe?
A. Belching at the table                                B. Being vague in conversation
C. Eating before others                                D. Turning down an alcoholic drink

Question 35. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph III?
A. Understanding cultural norms is essential to avoid causing offense when interacting with people from other countries.
B. Cultural education should only be done when planning to travel abroad for business or leisure.
C. It is not necessary to learn about cultural differences as long as you are not traveling.
D. Learning cultural etiquette is optional when doing business internationally.

Question 36: The phrase "fortify yourself with" in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by:

A. Protect yourself from                                        B. Prepare yourself with
C. Reward yourself with                                        D. Improve yourself with

Question 37. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. It is equally acceptable to smile at strangers in all countries.
B. In Japan, it is important to bow lower than the person you are greeting.
C. In Russia, it’s considered polite to refuse alcoholic drinks at meals.
D. In Kenya, it’s okay to start eating before the eldest male is served.

Question 38: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in the 1^st paragraph?

A. Understanding cultural norms of politeness and manners in advance is crucial to making a good impression.
B. It is unnecessary to learn about politeness and etiquette before interacting with people from different backgrounds.
C. Learning etiquette rules is only important when dealing with people from high-status backgrounds.
D. Knowing how to behave politely is less important than mastering a foreign language.

Question 39. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Every culture has similar expectations of behavior.
B. It is important to adapt to the cultural norms of the country you are in.
C. People from different cultures always appreciate the same kinds of behavior.
D. The cultural differences in etiquette are insignificant when doing international business.

Question 40. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A. Cultural norms vary widely around the world, and it is essential to understand them in order to avoid offending people when traveling or doing business internationally.
B. Cultural differences are irrelevant to building successful business relationships abroad.
C. Most countries share similar etiquette, so it is not necessary to learn about them before traveling.
D. The passage suggests that cultural norms should be ignored when interacting with foreign clients.

The Koromi trend has taken social media by storm, influencing fashion, lifestyle, and online communities worldwide. Originating in Japan, Koromi is characterized by a unique blend of gothic aesthetics, cute elements, and bold self-expression. Unlike mainstream kawaii culture, which emphasizes bright colors and cheerful themes, Koromi embraces darker shades, punk influences, and a rebellious attitude. This fusion of edginess and playfulness has resonated with many young people looking for an alternative form of self-representation.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a crucial role in popularizing the trend, as influencers and fashion enthusiasts share their interpretations of the Koromi style. The trend's rise is also linked to a growing appreciation for individuality and alternative fashion in contemporary youth culture.

Beyond fashion, the Koromi trend has influenced makeup styles, accessories, and even music preferences. Many followers of this aesthetic incorporate dark eyeliner, edgy clothing, and playful accessories to create a distinctive look. As more people adopt the Koromi lifestyle, brands have started releasing special collections inspired by the trend. However, some critics argue that the commercial adoption of Koromi dilutes its original meaning and turns it into a passing fad rather than a genuine subculture.

While Koromi's popularity continues to grow, it remains a niche trend compared to mainstream fashion movements. Its impact, however, is undeniable, as it encourages self-expression and challenges conventional beauty standards. Whether it will evolve into a long-lasting cultural phenomenon or fade away as another internet-driven craze remains to be seen.

Marcel Bich, a French manufacturer of traditional ink pens, was the man (18) ______. Bich was surprised by the poor quality and high price of the ballpoint pens available at the time. However, he realised that the ballpoint pen was a well-established invention, (19) ______ that would succeed in the market.

"Bich approached the Biro brothers and asked for permission to use their original invention in one of his pens. In return, he offered to pay them for each pen he sold. (20) ______, he used a microscope to examine them closely."

By 1950, he was ready to introduce his new design: a plastic pen with a transparent barrel that wrote smoothly, didn’t leak, and cost only a few cents. The new ballpoint pen (21) ______. The public liked it immediately, and today it is as common as the pencil.

Bich's success allowed him to establish Société Bic, which expanded worldwide. (22) ______, producing not only pens but also lighters, razors, and even mobile phones.

Question 18:
A. turning the ballpoint pen into an affordable item used worldwide
B. to turn the ballpoint pen into something everyone can afford today
C. which turned the ballpoint pen into a common tool
D. that had turned the ballpoint pen into a impractical writing instrument

Question 19:
A. so he aimed to create a cheap and ineffective version
B. therefore, his goal was to make a complicated and costly version.
C. as result, he tried to design a version that was neither affordable nor practical.
D. so he attempted to produce a low-cost and efficient version. 

Question 20:
A. Spending two years studying the structure of every ballpoint pen available 

B. Spending two years designing a brand-new ballpoint pen
C. To spend two years studying the structure of every ballpoint pen available

D. He has used various techniques, including microscopes, to study them

Question 21:
A. became a practical and popular writing instrument
B. has become the most used writing tool since the 1950s
C. was becoming more and more useful as a writing instrument
D. had become a must-have tool in many households

Question 22:
A. His company continued to expand with various products
B. His company had expanded worldwide with multiple factories by new investors
C. His company expanded its production line beyond writing instruments
D. was growing into a multi-product company when the market demand increased

Question 13:

a. Mom: Don’t spend too much time playing video games. You should focus on your studies.

b. Mom: That’s good. Remember, education comes first.

c. Son: I understand, Mom. I will only play after finishing my homework.

A. a-b-c                        B. b-c-a                        C. a-c-b                D. b-a-c

     Question 14:

     a. Sam: What do you value most in a friend?
    b. Sam: Why is loyalty so important?

     c. Lisa: I believe loyalty is the most important quality in a friend.
    d. Lisa: Because a loyal friend will always stand by you, no matter what.
    e. Sam: I agree. It’s hard to find friends who are truly loyal these days.

A. c-b-a-d-e                        B. c-a-d-b-e                        C. a-c-b-d-e                D. a-b-c-d-e

     Question 15:

Dear Sir,

a. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen challenges, I was unable to meet the original deadline.
b. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.
c. I sincerely apologize for not finishing the plan on time as expected.
d. I am currently making the final adjustments and will submit the completed plan by the end of the week.
e. Please let me know if you have any urgent concerns or if there is anything I can do to minimize the inconvenience.

Yours faithfully,

A. a - b - c - d – e                B. c - a - b - d - e                C. c - b - a - d – e        D. a - d - b - e - c

Question 16:

a. These centers provide structured courses with experienced teachers, interactive activities, and access to diverse learning resources.
b. As a result, students can improve their English skills more effectively compared to self-study.
c. Studying at an English center offers numerous advantages for learners seeking to enhance their language proficiency.
d. Furthermore, English centers create an immersive environment where students can practice speaking and listening in real-life situations.
e. In conclusion, enrolling in an English center is a great way to develop language skills in a systematic and engaging manner.

A. c - a - d - b – e                B. a - d - b - c – e                C. c - d - a - b – e                D. d - c - a - b – e

Question 17:

a. Robocon is an international robotics competition where university teams design and build robots to complete specific tasks.
b. Teams from around the world participate, showcasing creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise.
c. Robots must follow strict rules and complete assigned tasks within a set time limit, testing their efficiency and adaptability.
d. Over the years, the competition has expanded, providing students with a platform to improve their engineering knowledge and teamwork.
e. Robocon promotes STEM education and inspires future engineers to explore robotics and innovation.

A. a-b-d-c-e                B. a-d-c-b-e                C. a-e-d-c-b                D. a-c-b-e-d

Join Our Student Exchange Program!

Are you eager to explore a new culture, improve your language skills, and make lifelong friends? Our Student Exchange Program is the perfect opportunity for you!

Students from our school will have the chance to study abroad while welcoming (7) ______ students into their homes. This is a great way to experience different educational systems and lifestyles.

During the program, you will (8) ______ new challenges, such as adapting to a new environment and communicating in a foreign language. (9) ______, these experiences will help you grow both academically and personally.

Participants will receive full (10) ______, including accommodation, meals, and tuition fees.

Instead of traveling as a tourist, why not become a local for a semester? This exchange allows you to fully immerse yourself in a new culture.

This program helps students develop essential skills such as independence, adaptability, and (11) ______.

Apply now and take the first step towards an unforgettable experience in international (12) ______!

Question 7: A. other                        B. another                        C. others                D. the others

Question 8: A. look up to                B. face up to                        C. break down on        D. keep in with

Question 9: A. Therefore                 B. Because                        C. However                D. Moreover

Question 10: A. loan                        B. scholarship                C. maintenance        D. bursary

Question 11: A. knowledge                B. resilience                        C. vulnerability        D. irresponsibility

Question 12: A. education                B. employment                C. consultation        D. construction